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Jun 18

Jun 18 The Wealth of U.S. Members of Congress: A Comprehensive Review

In a comprehensive study from the 115th Congress, the combined wealth of all members at that time amounted to at least $2.43 billion, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the preceding Congress. This growth occurred during a period when both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Standard & Poor’s 500 Index experienced gains of slightly under 10 percent. Furthermore, the median minimum net worth of today's senators and House members stood at $511,000 at the beginning of this Congress, reflecting a 16 percent rise over just two years. This figure is five times higher than the median net worth of an American household, estimated at $97,300 by the Federal Reserve in 2016 (Hawkings, 2018).

May 26

May 26 Polarization: Causes and Conflict in an Increasingly Divided Nation

Julianna Hess

Political Theory, Political Process

If you live in the United States, polarization is a term you may have heard often regarding American politics. In politics, polarization refers to the large divide between American voters that puts them on opposite ends of the political spectrum. This divide reflects voters’ values and affects how voters perceive the opposing party, as well as how they are represented in Congress (Fiorina, Abrams, 2008). With the rift between Democrats and Republicans being bigger than it’s ever been, it can be difficult for democracy in the United States to function correctly, bringing consequences to policymakers and the American people. Polarization is a reality in American society today, that is caused by internal and external factors influencing Congressional decisions and American voting habits. These factors include characteristics of Congressional and political processes, the pressure to conform to partisan demands from both voters and legislatures, media presence, monetary support, and economic inequalities that hinder policymaking, social cohesion, and the accurate representation of American voters in Congress. Despite the many causes of polarization and the resulting hindrance to democracy, polarization can be diminished through the recognition of harmful partisan attitudes, and corrective action through governmental processes that encourage cooperation and compromise between parties.

May 24

May 24 The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act and Age Verification

Cristina Ortiz

Politics, Public Policy

In an era of political polarization, a group of senators has joined forces in an effort to protect children online. As technology continues to advance and the digital world becomes increasingly pervasive in our lives, protecting our youngest users has become a priority for lawmakers. In response to increasing concerns over the influence social media has on children, four senators have proposed the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act of 2023. If this bill is passed, children under the age of 13 would be prohibited from using social media platforms unless their guardian provides consent. However, the efficacy of age verification is still a significant problem. The efficacy of age verification, or lack thereof, leads to questions from the opposition over the bill’s ability to protect our younger users from the dangers of social media.

Mar 11

Mar 11 Time for a Ban on Congress Trading

Bobby Markus

Government Current Events

Due to the pandemic and a lack of trust in the U.S. government, the ban on trading for the members of Congress has surfaced as one of the top issues within our borders. The proposal called the Ban Conflicted Trade Act has gained a lot of traction and backing from government officials, so it is just a matter of time before it is enforced. Proposed over a year ago, the bill “prohibits a Member of Congress from (1) purchasing or selling specified investments, (2) entering into a transaction that creates a net short position in a security, or (3) serving as an officer or member of any board of a for-profit entity” (“H.R.1579 - Ban Conflicted Trading Act,” 2021). This issue entered into the spotlight due to members of Congress making trades directly before and during the pandemic. This claim is backed by the multiple cases of suspect trading activities occurring at optimal times.