ProPublica investigating stories have shed sunshine on how members of SCOTUS have crossed the ethical line, and the integrity of the court is in question.  The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Supreme Court Ethics Reform on May 2, 2023.  Witnesses testifying at the hearing were: 

The Honorable Jeremy Fogel

Executive Director, Berkeley Judicial Institute and Former U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of CA

University of California, Berkeley Law School

Washington, D.C.

Kedric Payne

Vice President, General Counsel, & Senior Director of Ethics

Campaign Legal Center

Washington, D.C.

Amanda Frost

John A. Ewald Jr. Research Professor of Law

University of Virginia School of Law

Charlottesville, VA

The Honorable Michael B. Mukasey

Former United States Attorney General and Former U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of NY

New York, NY

Thomas H. Dupree Jr.

Partner and Co-Chair of the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Washington, D.C.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) invited SCOTUS Chief Justice John Roberts to testify and he declined.  He called such testimony by chief justice’s was “exceedingly rare”.   

Forbes.com  Here Are The Recent Controversies Supreme Court Justices Have Been Caught Up In—As Senate Hears Case For Code Of Ethics

KEY FACTS

The Senate committee will hold a hearing on Supreme Court ethics reform with a panel of legal experts, after committee chair Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) invited Chief Justice John Roberts to testify at the hearing and he declined.

Lawmakers have renewed their push for a binding ethics code—which the justices do not have, unlike lower federal judges—following ProPublica reports detailing Justice Clarence Thomas’ dealings with GOP megadonor Harlan Crow, whom Thomas has reportedly accepted gifts and luxury travel from for years without disclosing it as federal law requires.

Crow also purchased real estate in Savannah, Georgia, from Thomas in 2014—including the home where the justice’s mother reportedly still lives—ProPublica reported, which was also not disclosed as required.

Thomas has also drawn significant controversy over his wife, Ginni Thomas’ right-wing activism, particularly as she supported efforts to overturn the 2020 election as Thomas heard cases on it, and the justice has been My Citizen Legislators, the hits keep coming about the Supreme Court.  Today I want to discuss the recent lapses of members of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).  ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with a moral force.  According to the ProPublica website, its mission is – To expose abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust by government, business, and other institutions, using the moral force of investigative journalism to spur reform through the sustained spotlighting of wrongdoing.

 ProPublica investigating stories have shed sunshine on how members of SCOTUS have crossed the ethical line, and the integrity of the court is in question.  The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Supreme Court Ethics Reform on May 2, 2023.  Witnesses testifying at the hearing were: 

The Honorable Jeremy Fogel

Executive Director, Berkeley Judicial Institute and Former U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of CA

University of California, Berkeley Law School

Washington, D.C.

Kedric Payne

Vice President, General Counsel, & Senior Director of Ethics

Campaign Legal Center

Washington, D.C.

Amanda Frost

John A. Ewald Jr. Research Professor of Law

University of Virginia School of Law

Charlottesville, VA

The Honorable Michael B. Mukasey

Former United States Attorney General and Former U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of NY

New York, NY

Thomas H. Dupree Jr.

Partner and Co-Chair of the Appellate and Constitutional Law Practice Group

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Washington, D.C.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) invited SCOTUS Chief Justice John Roberts to testify and he declined.  He called such testimony by chief justice’s was “exceedingly rare”.   

Forbes.com  Here Are The Recent Controversies Supreme Court Justices Have Been Caught Up In—As Senate Hears Case For Code Of Ethics

KEY FACTS

The Senate committee will hold a hearing on Supreme Court ethics reform with a panel of legal experts, after committee chair Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) invited Chief Justice John Roberts to testify at the hearing and he declined.

Lawmakers have renewed their push for a binding ethics code—which the justices do not have, unlike lower federal judges—following ProPublica reports detailing Justice Clarence Thomas’ dealings with GOP megadonor Harlan Crow, whom Thomas has reportedly accepted gifts and luxury travel from for years without disclosing it as federal law requires.

Crow also purchased real estate in Savannah, Georgia, from Thomas in 2014—including the home where the justice’s mother reportedly still lives—ProPublica reported, which was also not disclosed as required.

Thomas has also drawn significant controversy over his wife, Ginni Thomas’ right-wing activism, particularly as she supported efforts to overturn the 2020 election as Thomas heard cases on it, and the justice has been criticized for failing to recuse himself in a case concerning documents being turned over to the House January 6 Committee.

Justice Neil Gorsuch then came under fire as Politico reported he sold real estate to the head of a law firm with business before the court in a 2017 transaction that took place days after Gorsuch was sworn in as a justice.

 As always, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

ProPublica.org: FRIENDS OF THE COURT Clarence Thomas’ Beneficial Friendship With a GOP Megadonor 

ProPublica.org: The Origins of Our Investigation Into Clarence Thomas’ Relationship With Harlan Crow 

Bloomberglaw.com: Supreme Court Has a Lot to Learn About Ethics From Other Branches

Forbes.com: Here Are The Recent Controversies Supreme Court Justices Have Been Caught Up In—As Senate Hears Case For Code Of Ethics

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Supreme Court Ethics Reform May 2 2023   

NPR.org: Chief Justice Roberts declines to testify before Senate panel 

SCOTUS.blog.com: Roberts declines invitation to testify at Senate hearing

NPR.org: Dueling narratives at the Senate hearing on the Supreme Court  

I didn’t watch the town hall meeting for a variety of reasons.  I knew Trump was going to go all in on spewing lies about the 2020 election, January 6, 2021 – the insurrection.  CNN Chief Chris Licht defended his decision to give Trump the opportunity to spew his lies.  He basically said CNN did a public service to the nation because Trump is a leading contender for the presidency in 2024.  Three million people watched this spectacle.  CNN didn’t do this for the good of the nation; they did it for ratings, money, and for the good of CNN.

On top of that, Anderson Cooper made condescending remarks defending CNN, praising Kaitlin Collins and basically saying Americans shouldn’t silo themselves from only listening to folks they agree with.  The majority of Americans don’t live in a silo; they are fully aware of Trump and his MAGA cult followers.   

Trump received 46.9 percent of the vote in 2020 and lost the popular vote by over  7 million votes.  He may possibly win in 2024, that’s why my Citizen Legislators must resist, fight and mobilize.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

Politico.com: Enough With the Bellyaching Over CNN’s Trump Town Hall

TheHill.com: Trump shares fake video of Anderson Cooper reacting to CNN town hall

RollingStone.com: CNN Is Hosting a Town Hall for a Guy Who Tried to Get Me Killed

CNN.com: READ: Transcript of CNN’s town hall with former President Donald Trump

Newsweek.com: Biden Mocks Trump After CNN Town Hall

Huffpost.com: Joe Scarborough Scorches 'Most Shocking' Part Of Donald Trump's CNN Town Hall

CNN.com: Anderson Cooper addresses criticism about Trump town hall

TheHill.com: Frustration at CNN boils over with Trump town hall         

Vox.com: A second Trump administration would be much worse 

CNN.com: Profile Kaitlan Collins Anchor and Chief Correspondent

Variety.com: Kaitlan Collins Expected to...]]>My Citizen Legislators.  CNN went full Jerry Springer on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, by hosting a Town Hall meeting for former President Donald Trump at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. The town hall was moderated by Kaitlin Collins.

I didn’t watch the town hall meeting for a variety of reasons.  I knew Trump was going to go all in on spewing lies about the 2020 election, January 6, 2021 – the insurrection.  CNN Chief Chris Licht defended his decision to give Trump the opportunity to spew his lies.  He basically said CNN did a public service to the nation because Trump is a leading contender for the presidency in 2024.  Three million people watched this spectacle.  CNN didn’t do this for the good of the nation; they did it for ratings, money, and for the good of CNN.

On top of that, Anderson Cooper made condescending remarks defending CNN, praising Kaitlin Collins and basically saying Americans shouldn’t silo themselves from only listening to folks they agree with.  The majority of Americans don’t live in a silo; they are fully aware of Trump and his MAGA cult followers.   

Trump received 46.9 percent of the vote in 2020 and lost the popular vote by over  7 million votes.  He may possibly win in 2024, that’s why my Citizen Legislators must resist, fight and mobilize.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

Politico.com: Enough With the Bellyaching Over CNN’s Trump Town Hall

TheHill.com: Trump shares fake video of Anderson Cooper reacting to CNN town hall

RollingStone.com: CNN Is Hosting a Town Hall for a Guy Who Tried to Get Me Killed

CNN.com: READ: Transcript of CNN’s town hall with former President Donald Trump

Newsweek.com: Biden Mocks Trump After CNN Town Hall

Huffpost.com: Joe Scarborough Scorches 'Most Shocking' Part Of Donald Trump's CNN Town Hall

CNN.com: Anderson Cooper addresses criticism about Trump town hall

TheHill.com: Frustration at CNN boils over with Trump town hall         

Vox.com: A second Trump administration would be much worse 

CNN.com: Profile Kaitlan Collins Anchor and Chief Correspondent

Variety.com: Kaitlan Collins Expected to Anchor CNN’s 9PM Hour After Tangling With Trump   

NewYorkTimes.com: CNN Chairman Defends Decision to Host Trump Town Hall 

This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

This bill addresses a wide variety of issues, ranging from raising grandchildren to earthquake hazards reduction, to underrepresented groups in cancer trials to telehealth, and fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Specifically, the bill establishes a Federal Task Force to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

With respect to earthquake hazards reduction, the bill

• reauthorizes the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program;
• reduces the frequency of reporting by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction;
• modifies the responsibilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation; and
• directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review federal earthquake hazard risk reduction efforts.

The bill also (1) reauthorizes the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and (2) restores certain amounts withheld for tax purposes from severance payments to veterans with combat-related injuries.

The GAO must review actions federal agencies have taken to address barriers to participation in federally funded cancer clinical trials by populations that have been traditionally underrepresented in such trials.

The Department of State and the Department of Defense must jointly develop and submit to Congress a five-year strategy to help enable the government of Nigeria, members of the Multinational Joint Task Force to Combat Boko Haram authorized by the African Union, and relevant partners to counter the regional threat of Boko Haram.

The bill makes supplemental appropriations for the Telehealth Resource Center of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth.

Now you’re asking yourselves, what the hell does this have to do with the debt ceiling.  Well, in the House of Representatives, under Rule XV, any member may file a discharge petition with the Clerk of the House once the committee has had a measure for more than thirty days (remember H.R. 626 was introduced on January 30, 2023). 

According to Congressional Procedure, A Practical Guide to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress by Richard A. Arenber, a discharge petition must reference only one measure, not multiple pieces of legislation. While discharge petitions are sometimes threatened by the minority, success requires the petition to be signed by a majority of the House (normally 218 members) and therefore is exceedingly rare.  Once the necessary signatures appear on a discharge petition, a motion to discharge is placed on the House’s Discharge Calendar.  Any member who signed the petition is eligible under the rules to offer the motion on the floor, although such motions are restricted to a “discharge day,” which occurs only on the second and fourth Monday of each month. If a majority votes for the motion when it is brought up on discharge day, the measure is brought to the floor.  Since the House is a majoritarian body, a successful discharge petition is considered a rebuke to the Speaker, the majority leadership, and the powerful Rules Committee.  Members of the majority are expected to follow the leadership on procedural votes.

A successful use of a discharge petition in the House is very rare. The last discharge motion...]]>My Citizen Legislators, May 2, 2023 will live infamy.  House Democrats unveiling a master stroke of utilizing a legislative maneuver – the discharge petition.  Let me set the stage for you, my Citizen Legislators.  On January 30, 2023, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) quietly introduced H.R. 626, the Breaking Gridlock Act.  He did not issue a press release or make a floor statement on the introduction of the bill.  H.R. 626 was referred to twenty congressional committees.  The Congressional Research Service bill summary of H.R. 626 is as follows:

This bill addresses a wide variety of issues, ranging from raising grandchildren to earthquake hazards reduction, to underrepresented groups in cancer trials to telehealth, and fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Specifically, the bill establishes a Federal Task Force to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

With respect to earthquake hazards reduction, the bill

• reauthorizes the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program;
• reduces the frequency of reporting by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction;
• modifies the responsibilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation; and
• directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review federal earthquake hazard risk reduction efforts.

The bill also (1) reauthorizes the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and (2) restores certain amounts withheld for tax purposes from severance payments to veterans with combat-related injuries.

The GAO must review actions federal agencies have taken to address barriers to participation in federally funded cancer clinical trials by populations that have been traditionally underrepresented in such trials.

The Department of State and the Department of Defense must jointly develop and submit to Congress a five-year strategy to help enable the government of Nigeria, members of the Multinational Joint Task Force to Combat Boko Haram authorized by the African Union, and relevant partners to counter the regional threat of Boko Haram.

The bill makes supplemental appropriations for the Telehealth Resource Center of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth.

Now you’re asking yourselves, what the hell does this have to do with the debt ceiling.  Well, in the House of Representatives, under Rule XV, any member may file a discharge petition with the Clerk of the House once the committee has had a measure for more than thirty days (remember H.R. 626 was introduced on January 30, 2023). 

According to Congressional Procedure, A Practical Guide to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress by Richard A. Arenber, a discharge petition must reference only one measure, not multiple pieces of legislation. While discharge petitions are sometimes threatened by the minority, success requires the petition to be signed by a majority of the House (normally 218 members) and therefore is exceedingly rare.  Once the necessary signatures appear on a discharge petition, a motion to discharge is placed on the House’s Discharge Calendar.  Any member who signed the petition is eligible under the rules to offer the motion on the floor, although such motions are restricted to a “discharge day,” which occurs only on the second and fourth Monday of each month. If a majority votes for the motion when it is brought up on discharge day, the measure is brought to the floor.  Since the House is a majoritarian body, a successful discharge petition is considered a rebuke to the Speaker, the majority leadership, and the powerful Rules Committee.  Members of the majority are expected to follow the leadership on procedural votes.

A successful use of a discharge petition in the House is very rare. The last discharge motion approved was the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (P.L. 107-155), known as “McCain-Feingold,” in 2002.

Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

Business Insider: Dianne Feinstein's ongoing absence allowed Senate Republicans and Joe Manchin to overturn a Biden rule reducing pollution from large trucks

Politico.com: Feinstein’s condition sparks concern she won’t return to the Senate  

FiveThirtyEight.com: Why Dianne Feinstein Might Actually Have To Resign

Vox.com: The uproar over Dianne Feinstein, explained

NPR.org: Republicans block effort to replace Feinstein on Judiciary panel

Rollcall.com: Replacing Feinstein can be complicated, Senate history shows 

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the share Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

The Hill.com: Political party time: 2023’s White House Correspondents’ dinner events 

Axios DC.com: What's happening during White House Correspondents' Dinner Weekend 2023

Deadline.com: White House Correspondents’ Dinner: What’s Happening & Who’s Attending D.C.’s Biggest Weekend Of Pop And Politics

White House Correspondents' Association

Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House. I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.

As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

Politico.com: White House regroups after McCarthy’s debt ceiling success

US Department of the Treasury: Debt Limit

Brookings: How worried should we be if the debt ceiling isn’t lifted?

Government Executive.com: House GOP Passes Debt Ceiling Bill That Puts Tens of Thousands of Federal Jobs At Risk

Politico.com: House GOP passes its debt bill, upping pressure on Biden

PBS.org: Here’s what’s in the GOP bill to lift the U.S. debt limit

The Hill.com: These four House Republicans voted against the GOP debt limit bill

Brookings: What’s the difference between a government shutdown and a failure to raise the debt ceiling? .

This past week, President Biden quietly announced he is running for reelection.  

NPR.com: Biden warns of rights under threat from Trump and 'MAGA extremists' in reelect launch.

Politico.com: Biden dives back in, announces reelection bid

Politico.com: Chicago will host 2024 Democratic convention

Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

Let me break this all down for you, my Citizen Legislators. House Republicans made several changes to the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process.

According to the House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance, Members can submit programmatic, language, and project requests as follows:

Programmatic requests: Members may request specific funding levels for agencies and programs funded in the twelve appropriations bills.

Language requests: Members may request bill language or report language directing or encouraging specific actions by federal agencies.

Community Project Funding requests: Members may request funding for specific projects in their communities, so long as the projects have a federal nexus and meet other requirements established by federal law, House Rules, and the Committee to ensure only high quality projects are requested and funded.

Guidance for Community Project Funding is available here.

The Community Project Funding accounts list is available here.

A template for the Member Financial Disclosure Certification and Federal Nexus Statement is available here.

Cap on Overall Funding: The total amount for Community Project Funding in House appropriations bills will not exceed one half of one percent of discretionary spending.

Cap on Member Requests: Members may submit a maximum of 15 requests across bills.

Federal Nexus Requirement: In order to ensure a federal nexus exists for each funded project, the Committee will only fund projects that are tied to a federal authorization law. Members must include a written statement describing the federal nexus for each Community Project Funding request. Subcommittee guidance will include example language Members can use to make the required statement.

Ban on For-Profit Recipients: Project funding may not be directed to for-profit recipients. Members may request funding for State, local, or tribal governmental grantees and certain eligible non-profits, as allowed under federal law and subcommittee guidance.

House Appropriations Subcommittees not accepting community project funding requests: Defense; Financial Services and General Government: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Legislative Branch; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

Letters of Support: Provide letters of support from third-party(s) expressing support for the community project funding requests.

Fiscal Year 2024 House Appropriations Community Project Funding Eligible Accounts

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Department of Agriculture–Farm Production and Conservation Programs

Natural Resources Conservation Service (Conservation Operations)

Department of Agriculture–Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service (Buildings and Facilities)

Department of Agriculture–Rural Development

Rural Housing Service (Community Facilities)

Rural Utilities Service (ReConnect Program)

Rural Utilities Service (Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants)

Rural Utilities Service (Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants)

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Department of Commerce

NIST—Scientific and Technical Research

NOAA—Coastal Zone Management

Department of Justice

COPS Technology and Equipment

Byrne Justice

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Safety, Security, and Mission Services

Energy and Water Development

Army Corps of Engineers...]]>It's March Madness my Citizen Legislators and I’m not talking about the NCAA Men’s and Women’s basketball tournament. March Madness for those who work in politics are filling out and submitting FY 2024 appropriations requests, community project funding requests and congressionally directed spending requests.

Let me break this all down for you, my Citizen Legislators. House Republicans made several changes to the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process.

According to the House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance, Members can submit programmatic, language, and project requests as follows:

Programmatic requests: Members may request specific funding levels for agencies and programs funded in the twelve appropriations bills.

Language requests: Members may request bill language or report language directing or encouraging specific actions by federal agencies.

Community Project Funding requests: Members may request funding for specific projects in their communities, so long as the projects have a federal nexus and meet other requirements established by federal law, House Rules, and the Committee to ensure only high quality projects are requested and funded.

Guidance for Community Project Funding is available here.

The Community Project Funding accounts list is available here.

A template for the Member Financial Disclosure Certification and Federal Nexus Statement is available here.

Cap on Overall Funding: The total amount for Community Project Funding in House appropriations bills will not exceed one half of one percent of discretionary spending.

Cap on Member Requests: Members may submit a maximum of 15 requests across bills.

Federal Nexus Requirement: In order to ensure a federal nexus exists for each funded project, the Committee will only fund projects that are tied to a federal authorization law. Members must include a written statement describing the federal nexus for each Community Project Funding request. Subcommittee guidance will include example language Members can use to make the required statement.

Ban on For-Profit Recipients: Project funding may not be directed to for-profit recipients. Members may request funding for State, local, or tribal governmental grantees and certain eligible non-profits, as allowed under federal law and subcommittee guidance.

House Appropriations Subcommittees not accepting community project funding requests: Defense; Financial Services and General Government: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Legislative Branch; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

Letters of Support: Provide letters of support from third-party(s) expressing support for the community project funding requests.

Fiscal Year 2024 House Appropriations Community Project Funding Eligible Accounts

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Department of Agriculture–Farm Production and Conservation Programs

Natural Resources Conservation Service (Conservation Operations)

Department of Agriculture–Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service (Buildings and Facilities)

Department of Agriculture–Rural Development

Rural Housing Service (Community Facilities)

Rural Utilities Service (ReConnect Program)

Rural Utilities Service (Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants)

Rural Utilities Service (Rural Water and Waste Disposal Grants)

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Department of Commerce

NIST—Scientific and Technical Research

NOAA—Coastal Zone Management

Department of Justice

COPS Technology and Equipment

Byrne Justice

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Safety, Security, and Mission Services

Energy and Water Development

Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works)

Investigations

Construction

Mississippi River and Tributaries

Operation and Maintenance

Department of the Interior/Bureau of Reclamation

Water and Related Resources

Homeland Security

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Federal Assistance—Emergency Ops. Centers

Federal Assistance—Pre-Disaster Mitigation

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Environmental Protection Agency

STAG—Clean Water State Revolving Fund

STAG—Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Army

Army National Guard

Army Reserve

Navy & Marine Corps

Navy Reserve

Air Force and Space Force

Air National Guard

Air Force Reserve

DoD, Defense-Wide

Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Department of Housing and Urban Development

CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives

Department of Transportation

Airport Improvement Program

Highway Infrastructure Projects

Transit Infrastructure Projects

Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements

Port Infrastructure Development Program

What is Federal Jury Service?

U.S. citizens, 18-years-old and older, may qualify to serve in the federal courts on a jury. The Jury Selection and Service Act  establishes the process for selecting jurors and outlines qualifications a person must meet to serve on a federal jury. 

National eJuror Program

The national eJuror Program gives potential jurors the option of responding to their jury qualification questionnaire or summons online through the website of the local court that summoned citizens to jury duty. 

Juror Selection

Each district court randomly selects citizens’ names from lists of registered voters and people with drivers licenses who live in that district. The people randomly selected complete a questionnaire to help determine if they are qualified to serve on a jury. Those qualified are randomly chosen to be summoned to appear for jury duty. This selection process helps to make sure that jurors represent a cross section of the community, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, or political affiliation.

Jury Pool to Jury Box

Being summoned for jury service does not guarantee that a person will actually serve on a jury. When a jury is needed for a trial, the group of qualified jurors is taken to the courtroom where the trial will take place. The judge and the attorneys then ask the potential jurors questions to determine their suitability to serve on the jury, a process called voir dire. The purpose of voir dire is to exclude from the jury people who may not be able to decide the case fairly. Members of the panel who know any person involved in the case, who have information about the case, or who may have strong prejudices about the people or issues involved in the case, typically will be excused by the judge. The attorneys also may exclude a certain number of jurors without giving a reason.

Types of Cases Heard by Juries

There are two types of judicial proceedings in the federal courts that use juries.

1. Criminal trial: An individual is accused of committing a crime that is considered against society as a whole. Twelve people, and alternates, make up a criminal jury. A unanimous decision must be reached before a defendant is found “guilty.” The government must prove the crime was committed “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Guilty pleas and plea negotiations reduce the need for juries in criminal cases.

1. Civil trial: Litigants seek remedies for private wrongs that don’t necessarily have a broader social impact. At least six people make up a civil jury. The jury must come to a unanimous decision unless specified otherwise. The standard of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” or “more true than not.”

• Settlement negotiations reduce the need for juries in civil cases.

Working Together: Judge and Jury

The judge determines the appropriate law that]]>My Citizen Legislators today I am going to what I recently experienced for the very first time in my adult life.  I received a letter from the US District Court and inside was a summons for petit jury service.  My date of service was from Friday, February 24, 2023 -  Friday, March 10, 2023.  I’m not going to lie to you my Citizen Legislators, I wasn’t happy about receiving this jury summons.  Now mind you, I’ve received jury summons before but not for federal jury service.  I was required to complete a juror qualification  questionnaire and return it within 5 days of receipt.  Luckily I was to complete the questionnaire online.

What is Federal Jury Service?

U.S. citizens, 18-years-old and older, may qualify to serve in the federal courts on a jury. The Jury Selection and Service Act  establishes the process for selecting jurors and outlines qualifications a person must meet to serve on a federal jury. 

National eJuror Program

The national eJuror Program gives potential jurors the option of responding to their jury qualification questionnaire or summons online through the website of the local court that summoned citizens to jury duty. 

Juror Selection

Each district court randomly selects citizens’ names from lists of registered voters and people with drivers licenses who live in that district. The people randomly selected complete a questionnaire to help determine if they are qualified to serve on a jury. Those qualified are randomly chosen to be summoned to appear for jury duty. This selection process helps to make sure that jurors represent a cross section of the community, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, or political affiliation.

Jury Pool to Jury Box

Being summoned for jury service does not guarantee that a person will actually serve on a jury. When a jury is needed for a trial, the group of qualified jurors is taken to the courtroom where the trial will take place. The judge and the attorneys then ask the potential jurors questions to determine their suitability to serve on the jury, a process called voir dire. The purpose of voir dire is to exclude from the jury people who may not be able to decide the case fairly. Members of the panel who know any person involved in the case, who have information about the case, or who may have strong prejudices about the people or issues involved in the case, typically will be excused by the judge. The attorneys also may exclude a certain number of jurors without giving a reason.

Types of Cases Heard by Juries

There are two types of judicial proceedings in the federal courts that use juries.

1. Criminal trial: An individual is accused of committing a crime that is considered against society as a whole. Twelve people, and alternates, make up a criminal jury. A unanimous decision must be reached before a defendant is found “guilty.” The government must prove the crime was committed “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Guilty pleas and plea negotiations reduce the need for juries in criminal cases.

1. Civil trial: Litigants seek remedies for private wrongs that don’t necessarily have a broader social impact. At least six people make up a civil jury. The jury must come to a unanimous decision unless specified otherwise. The standard of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” or “more true than not.”

• Settlement negotiations reduce the need for juries in civil cases.

Working Together: Judge and Jury

The judge determines the appropriate law that should be applied to the case and the jury finds the facts in the case based on what is presented to them during the proceedings.

At the end of a trial, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law. While the jury must obey the judge’s instructions as to the law, the jury alone is responsible for determining the facts of the case.

Outro

This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

HANDBOOK FOR TRIAL JURORS SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTS 

United States Courts Jury Service 

My Citizen Legislators, several days ago the world learned that former US President James “Jimmy” Carter announced he is entering hospice care at home with his family.  I was eleven years old when Jimmy Carter was elected president of the United States.  During his presidency America was going through an energy crisis, inflation as well as Americans being held hostage in Iran.  

A dear friend and former colleague reached out to me after the announcement and asked if she could stay with me so she could attend his state funeral.  This got me thinking about what starts the process of a state funeral for a former president.  I want to discuss Presidential funerals and burials.  Let’s get into it!

I don’t want to make this episode morbid, however, throughout my life I’ve watched and paid tribute to former presidents that have died. Living in the DMV, 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

Presidential Funerals and Burials: Selected Resources (congress.gov)

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, enters hospice care at home | AP News

Jimmy Carter to begin receiving home hospice care | CNN Politics

Jimmy Carter enters hospice care at home (nbcnews.com)

Biography of Jimmy Carter - About Us - The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum (jimmycarterlibrary.gov)

James Carter - The White House

Jimmy Carter - Presidency | Britannica

Jimmy Carter - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)

A Presidental Funeral - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)

Modern Mourning Observations at the White House - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)

Official Homepage for U.S. State Funerals (army.mil)

Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS...]]>Season 2 Episode 9: Presidential Funerals and Burials

My Citizen Legislators, several days ago the world learned that former US President James “Jimmy” Carter announced he is entering hospice care at home with his family.  I was eleven years old when Jimmy Carter was elected president of the United States.  During his presidency America was going through an energy crisis, inflation as well as Americans being held hostage in Iran.  

A dear friend and former colleague reached out to me after the announcement and asked if she could stay with me so she could attend his state funeral.  This got me thinking about what starts the process of a state funeral for a former president.  I want to discuss Presidential funerals and burials.  Let’s get into it!

I don’t want to make this episode morbid, however, throughout my life I’ve watched and paid tribute to former presidents that have died. Living in the DMV, 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

Presidential Funerals and Burials: Selected Resources (congress.gov)

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, enters hospice care at home | AP News

Jimmy Carter to begin receiving home hospice care | CNN Politics

Jimmy Carter enters hospice care at home (nbcnews.com)

Biography of Jimmy Carter - About Us - The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum (jimmycarterlibrary.gov)

James Carter - The White House

Jimmy Carter - Presidency | Britannica

Jimmy Carter - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)

A Presidental Funeral - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)

Modern Mourning Observations at the White House - White House Historical Association (whitehousehistory.org)

Official Homepage for U.S. State Funerals (army.mil)

Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

According US House of Representatives Office of the Historian:

The formal basis for the State of the Union Address is from the U.S. Constitution:

• The President “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Article II, Section 3, Clause 1.

The constitutionally mandated presidential message has gone through a few name changes:

• It was formerly known as the Annual Message from 1790 to 1946.
• It began to be informally called the "state of the Union" message/address from 1942 to 1946.
• Since 1947 it has officially been known as the State of the Union Address.

Earlier Annual Messages of the President included agency budget requests and general reports on the health of the economy. During the 20th century, Congress required more-specialized reports on these two aspects, separate from the Annual Message.

• Budget Message, required by the National Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 20) to be delivered to Congress no more than two weeks after Congress convenes in January.
• Economic Report, required by the Employment Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 23), with a flexible delivery date.

Over time, as the message content changed, the focus of the State of the Union also changed:

• In the 19th century, the annual message was both a lengthy administrative report on the various departments of the executive branch and a budget and economic message.
• After 1913, when Woodrow Wilson revived the practice of presenting the message to Congress in person, it became a platform for the President to rally support for his agenda.
• Technological changes—radio, television, and the Internet—further developed the State of the Union into a forum for the President to speak directly to the American people.

Technological Change

• First radio broadcast of Message: President Calvin Coolidge, 1923.
• First television broadcast of Message: President Harry Truman, 1947.
• First televised evening delivery of Message: President Lyndon Johnson, 1965.
• First live webcast on Internet: President George W. Bush, 2002.
• First high definition television broadcast of Message, President George W. Bush, 2004.

Record Holders

• The longest: President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter 33,667 words in 1981 (written). President William J. (Bill) Clinton 9,190 words in 1995 (spoken).1
• The shortest: President George Washington, 1790, 1,089 words.2
• Average length: 19th century was about 10,000 words; late 20th century, about 5,000 words.
• Most Messages/Addresses given: President Franklin Roosevelt, 12 (10 were personal appearances before Congress).
• Fewest Messages/Addresses given: President Zachary Taylor, 1; President My Citizen Legislators, President Joe Biden gave his in person State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on February 7th at 9pm ET.  I want to discuss the origins and authorization of the State of the Union Address.

  According US House of Representatives Office of the Historian:

  The formal basis for the State of the Union Address is from the U.S. Constitution:

  • The President “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Article II, Section 3, Clause 1.
  
  

  The constitutionally mandated presidential message has gone through a few name changes:

  • It was formerly known as the Annual Message from 1790 to 1946.
  • It began to be informally called the "state of the Union" message/address from 1942 to 1946.
  • Since 1947 it has officially been known as the State of the Union Address.
  
  

  Earlier Annual Messages of the President included agency budget requests and general reports on the health of the economy. During the 20th century, Congress required more-specialized reports on these two aspects, separate from the Annual Message.

  • Budget Message, required by the National Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 20) to be delivered to Congress no more than two weeks after Congress convenes in January.
  • Economic Report, required by the Employment Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 23), with a flexible delivery date.
  
  

  Over time, as the message content changed, the focus of the State of the Union also changed:

  • In the 19th century, the annual message was both a lengthy administrative report on the various departments of the executive branch and a budget and economic message.
  • After 1913, when Woodrow Wilson revived the practice of presenting the message to Congress in person, it became a platform for the President to rally support for his agenda.
  • Technological changes—radio, television, and the Internet—further developed the State of the Union into a forum for the President to speak directly to the American people.
  
  

  Technological Change

  • First radio broadcast of Message: President Calvin Coolidge, 1923.
  • First television broadcast of Message: President Harry Truman, 1947.
  • First televised evening delivery of Message: President Lyndon Johnson, 1965.
  • First live webcast on Internet: President George W. Bush, 2002.
  • First high definition television broadcast of Message, President George W. Bush, 2004.
  
  

  Record Holders

  • The longest: President James Earl (Jimmy) Carter 33,667 words in 1981 (written). President William J. (Bill) Clinton 9,190 words in 1995 (spoken).1
  • The shortest: President George Washington, 1790, 1,089 words.2
  • Average length: 19th century was about 10,000 words; late 20th century, about 5,000 words.
  • Most Messages/Addresses given: President Franklin Roosevelt, 12 (10 were personal appearances before Congress).
  • Fewest Messages/Addresses given: President Zachary Taylor, 1; President William Henry Harrison, 0; President James A. Garfield, 0.
  
  

  Footnotes

  1The American Presidency Project at UC Santa Barbara, http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/sou.php (January 16, 2014).

  2Ibid.

  List of In-Person Annual Message and State of the Union Addresses

  The following is a list of in-person Annual Message and State of the Union Addresses given by Presidents of the United States before Joint Sessions of Congress. There have been 99 total in-person addresses from 1790 to 2022. In 1945, President Franklin Roosevelt's address was read to a Joint Session of the House and Senate. Since the President did not deliver the address, it does not count as an in-person address. The address was formally known as the Annual Message from 1790 to 1946. Since 1947, it has officially been known as the State of the Union Address.

  President Thomas Jefferson began the practice of sending separate, written Annual Messages to the House and Senate, instead of an in-person address, in 1801. This remained the practice of Presidents until Woodrow Wilson revived in-person delivery before a Joint Session of Congress in 1913.

  January 27, 2010

  Obama, Barack H.

  January 25, 2011

  Obama, Barack H.

  January 24, 2012

  Obama, Barack H.

  February 12, 2013

  Obama, Barack H.

  January 28, 2014

  Obama, Barack H.

  January 20, 2015

  Obama, Barack H.

  January 12, 2016

  Obama, Barack H.

  January 30, 2018

  Trump, Donald J.

  February 5, 2019

  Trump, Donald J.

  February 4, 2020

  Trump, Donald J.

  March 1, 2022

  Biden, Joseph R., Jr.

  February 7, 2023

  Biden, Joseph R., Jr.

  
  

  Televised Opposition Responses to the President's Annual Message

  The practice began in 1966 when the television networks provided the Republican party with a half-hour slot. Senator Everett Dirksen (Republican, Illinois) and Representative Gerald R. Ford (Republican, Michigan) delivered the first opposition response. By 1976 the television networks were providing a slot for the opposition party almost immediately after the State of the Union address.

  2021

  No Annual Message.  President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. delivered a speech on his Build Back Better plan on April 28, 2021. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina delivered the Republican response.

  2022

  Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) offered the Republican response to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Annual Message, delivered on March 1, 2022.

  2023

  Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) offered the Republican response to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s Annual Message, delivered on February 7, 2023.

  
  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  
  

  State of the Union | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives

  How the evolution of the State of the Union reflects a changing country : NPR

  State of the Union 2023 | The White House

  Why was Biden heckled by Republicans at the State of the Union? - Vox

  State of the Union 2023: 5 questions for Biden's speech (thehill.com)

  Explainer: State of the Union 2023: When is Biden speaking and what do you need to know? | Reuters

  5 Key Takeaways From Biden’s 2023 State of the Union - Bloomberg

  Sanders says ‘choice is between normal or crazy’ in GOP response | The Hill

  State of the Union hecklers: What lawmakers yelled out (thehill.com)

  List of In-Person Annual Message and State of the Union Addresses | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives

  

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  
  

  ]]>3b4024a9-f621-4ee2-9b68-91fa36342ebfWed, 22 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -040044:37falsefull2202202CRYSTAL ELLERBE" Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 7On Wednesday, February 3, 2023, we celebrated a Saturday morning television show, Schoolhouse Rock on ABC!  I’m a Generation Xer and I grew up on Schoolhouse Rock!  Generation X owes a great deal to SchoolHouse Rock and I want to celebrate the half-century mark of this phenomenal animated television show.

  My Citizen Legislators as y’all know, the Topless Government podcast is a cross between School House Rock and civics for the masses.

  According to IMDb:

  A generation of American kids grew up singing the catchy tunes that were an integral part of "Schoolhouse Rock." These animated shorts incorporate songs that illustrate educational subjects such as history, science, multiplication tables, and basic grammar.

  First episode date: January 6, 1973 (USA)

  Executive producers: Tom Yohe, George Newall, Radford Stone

  Year: 1973

  Created by: David McCall

  Original network: ABC (1973-1985, 1992–2000); Direct-to-video (2009)

  Production companies: Scholastic Rock, Inc. ABC

  In the first season, there were 11 episodes.  

  Season 1 episodes

  S1 E1 · My Hero, Zero

  On Wednesday, February 3, 2023, we celebrated a Saturday morning television show, Schoolhouse Rock on ABC!  I’m a Generation Xer and I grew up on Schoolhouse Rock!  Generation X owes a great deal to SchoolHouse Rock and I want to celebrate the half-century mark of this phenomenal animated television show.

  My Citizen Legislators as y’all know, the Topless Government podcast is a cross between School House Rock and civics for the masses.

  According to IMDb:

  A generation of American kids grew up singing the catchy tunes that were an integral part of "Schoolhouse Rock." These animated shorts incorporate songs that illustrate educational subjects such as history, science, multiplication tables, and basic grammar.

  First episode date: January 6, 1973 (USA)

  Executive producers: Tom Yohe, George Newall, Radford Stone

  Year: 1973

  Created by: David McCall

  Original network: ABC (1973-1985, 1992–2000); Direct-to-video (2009)

  Production companies: Scholastic Rock, Inc. ABC

  In the first season, there were 11 episodes.  

  Season 1 episodes

  S1 E1 · My Hero, Zero

  3 min · Jan 6, 1973

  Watch

  Why zero is a hero in multiplication.

  S1 E2 · Elementary, My Dear

  3 min · Jan 6, 1973

  Watch

  Noah's Ark helps teach the multiplication of two.

  S1 E3 · Three Is a Magic Number

  3 min · Jan 7, 1973

  Watch

  A Magician digs deep into his top hat that proves three is a magic number.

  S1 E4 · The Four-Legged Zoo

  3 min · Jan 14, 1973

  Watch

  A field trip to the zoo is fun and educational.

  S1 E5 · Ready or Not, Here I Come

  3 min · Feb 3, 1973

  Watch

  Five, 10, 15, 20; multiplying in fives.

  S1 E6 · I Got Six

  3 min · Feb 10, 1973

  Watch

  Visits to the neighborhood candy store and restaurant.

  S1 E7 · Lucky Seven Sampson

  3 min · Feb 17, 1973

  Watch

  Lucky Seven Sampson teaches the kids about the multiplication of seven.

  S1 E8 · Figure Eight

  3 min · Feb 23, 1973

  Watch

  Multiplication of eight is learned through a song.

  S1 E9 · Naughty Number Nine

  3 min · Mar 2, 1973

  Watch

  A cartoon music video is used to teach the nines.

  S1 E10 · The Good Eleven

  3 min · Mar 10, 1973

  Watch

  How 11 makes multiplication fun.

  S1 E11 · Little Twelvetoes

  3 min · Mar 10, 1973

  Watch

  The martian Little Twelvetoes teaches kids about the number 12.

  I did some digging to see if there were other animated series, and low and behold I found out that Netflix had green-lighted “We the People” in 2021.  The show was created by Chris Nee and executive produced by Kenya Barris (Blackish), and Barack and Michelle Obama.  The series premiered on July 4, 2021. 

  I took the opportunity to watch one episode from the first season, The Three Branches of Government.  Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Brittany Howard, and the "Frozen" songwriters lay out a musical lesson about checks and balances in our government. The episode was five minutes in length and I was quite frankly disappointed in the episode.  I’m biased but the episode was striving to do it all and for me it fell flat.

  
  

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  
  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  
  

  
  

  ]]>1798500a-4cd0-467d-8fab-42324fa20158Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -040030:26falsefull2192192CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Speaker McCarthy Making Good on his Pledge to Remove Three Democratic House Members From Their Committees - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 6Well, well, well.  Speaker Kevin McCarthy is a man of his word; he announced on January 24th the removal of Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA.) from the House Intelligence Committee. According to the National Review.com January 28th article by Britanny Bernstein, Speaker McCarthy cited Swalwell’s association with a Chinese spy and Schiff’s boosting of the now-debunked Steele dossier as reasons each lawmaker is unfit to serve on their assigned committee.

  The National Review.com article continues by stating, Speaker McCarthy has vowed to remove Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over past anti-Semitic remarks and other controversial comments about Israel. However, Omar’s ouster would require a vote of the full House.

  A few House GOP members have publicly stated their opposition to the removal of Rep. Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  It is unclear as to when an actual House floor vote will occur.  Stay tuned.

  Speaker’s committee removal powers are limited | The Hill

  McCarthy vows to remove three Dems from committee posts | The Hill

  Divided U.S. House members spar over national security committee seats | Reuters

  Democrats tee up showdown with McCarthy on committee seats (axios.com) 

  House vote on Ilhan Omar’s Foreign Affairs seat appears increasingly uncertain (jewishinsider.com)

  Ilhan Omar: Foreign Affairs Committee Expulsion Opposed by Ken Buck | National Review

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  ]]>Well, well, well.  Speaker Kevin McCarthy is a man of his word; he announced on January 24th the removal of Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA.) from the House Intelligence Committee. According to the National Review.com January 28th article by Britanny Bernstein, Speaker McCarthy cited Swalwell’s association with a Chinese spy and Schiff’s boosting of the now-debunked Steele dossier as reasons each lawmaker is unfit to serve on their assigned committee.

  The National Review.com article continues by stating, Speaker McCarthy has vowed to remove Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over past anti-Semitic remarks and other controversial comments about Israel. However, Omar’s ouster would require a vote of the full House.

  A few House GOP members have publicly stated their opposition to the removal of Rep. Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  It is unclear as to when an actual House floor vote will occur.  Stay tuned.

  Speaker’s committee removal powers are limited | The Hill

  McCarthy vows to remove three Dems from committee posts | The Hill

  Divided U.S. House members spar over national security committee seats | Reuters

  Democrats tee up showdown with McCarthy on committee seats (axios.com) 

  House vote on Ilhan Omar’s Foreign Affairs seat appears increasingly uncertain (jewishinsider.com)

  Ilhan Omar: Foreign Affairs Committee Expulsion Opposed by Ken Buck | National Review

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  ]]>4d1d2a6c-9318-48e9-9e3c-921cd0268fa0Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -040042:23falsefull2182182CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Washington Mardi Gras, A Behind the Scenes Look Of the Celebration of Louisiana, its Politics and its People - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 5The annual three-day event included Louisiana Alive! on Thursday night, which is a mixer event showcasing Louisiana foods from all over the state and live music from various bands in Louisiana. Friday night is a seated dinner where the Mardi Gras princesses and festival queens are presented. Saturday night is the grand Mardi Gras Ball Gala, where the king is presented to the crowd of more than 3,000 after the royalty presentation with floats and marching bands that parade through the ballroom.

  If you want to run for office in Louisiana, Washington Mardi Gras is the perfect opportunity to be seen and heard – shaking that money tree to hosting fundraising events. Many deals are discussed and signed on the dotted line so to speak.  Mixing business and pleasure is a way of life for Louisianians – socializing across party lines can lead to getting things done, policy wise.

  History | mkofl

  At Washington Mardi Gras, Louisiana gov. hopefuls seek cash | Local Politics | nola.com

  Washington Mardi Gras: The swamp becomes crowded - Louisiana Illuminator (lailluminator.com)

  Washington Mardi Gras has Louisiana politicos partying in DC (businessreport.com)

  Some start Washington Mardi Gras at the White House | Local Politics | nola.com

  Washington D.C. Mardi Gras underway today through Saturday. Movers & shakers gather to wheel & deal and catch some beads | louisianaradionetwork.com

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  My Citizen Legislators I am so excited because this past weekend in DC Washington Mardi Gras took place at the Washington Hilton.  For over 70 years the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians this great organization has brought the pageantry, revelry, and mystery of Mardi Gras to our nation's capital.  

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>The annual three-day event included Louisiana Alive! on Thursday night, which is a mixer event showcasing Louisiana foods from all over the state and live music from various bands in Louisiana. Friday night is a seated dinner where the Mardi Gras princesses and festival queens are presented. Saturday night is the grand Mardi Gras Ball Gala, where the king is presented to the crowd of more than 3,000 after the royalty presentation with floats and marching bands that parade through the ballroom.

  If you want to run for office in Louisiana, Washington Mardi Gras is the perfect opportunity to be seen and heard – shaking that money tree to hosting fundraising events. Many deals are discussed and signed on the dotted line so to speak.  Mixing business and pleasure is a way of life for Louisianians – socializing across party lines can lead to getting things done, policy wise.

  History | mkofl

  At Washington Mardi Gras, Louisiana gov. hopefuls seek cash | Local Politics | nola.com

  Washington Mardi Gras: The swamp becomes crowded - Louisiana Illuminator (lailluminator.com)

  Washington Mardi Gras has Louisiana politicos partying in DC (businessreport.com)

  Some start Washington Mardi Gras at the White House | Local Politics | nola.com

  Washington D.C. Mardi Gras underway today through Saturday. Movers & shakers gather to wheel & deal and catch some beads | louisianaradionetwork.com

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  My Citizen Legislators I am so excited because this past weekend in DC Washington Mardi Gras took place at the Washington Hilton.  For over 70 years the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians this great organization has brought the pageantry, revelry, and mystery of Mardi Gras to our nation's capital.  

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>ef2de445-b785-4c9e-a235-176ba29c2c91Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -040044:26falsefull2172172CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Congressional Committees - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 4My Citizen legislators, one of my followers on TikTok AionTeleos, would love to hear an episode on congressional committees, and what benefit Members of Congress get from those assignments.  I agree!  This is a great idea and timely!

  We are now two weeks into the 118th Congress.  The House and Senate were in recess this week.  

  Well as I can tell you from my time on Capitol Hill as a staffer, committee assignments are extremely important to Members of Congress.  When my former boss, Congressman David Vitter (R-LA-1) ran for the open US Senate seat in Louisiana back in 2004 and won, we had to begin thinking about what committees he was to join in the Senate.  Now a great deal of thought goes into securing plum committee assignments.  Committee assignments can shape a Member’s tenure in Congress, and it can take some effort to secure a spot on a committee that deals with issues relevant to a Member of Congress District or State.  Representatives seek posts on committees with jurisdiction in areas in which they have expertise or that support the interests of their districts and for Senators their states.

  There are three types of committees in each chamber. Standing committees in the Senate and House are permanent and have a defined legislative jurisdiction under Senate Rule XXV or House Rule X, respectively.

  • Types of Committees in the House
  • There are three types of committees: standing, select, and joint.
  • Standing committees are permanent committees whose jurisdiction is identified in the House Rules. Currently there are 20 standing committees 
  • Select committees are created by a resolution to conduct investigations or consider measures, usually on a specific topic, and are not renewed on a permanent basis with the notable exception of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
  • Joint committees, such as the Joint Committee on Taxation, have both House and Senate members and typically conduct studies rather than consider measures.
  • Standing Committees are permanent committees established under the standing rules of the Senate and specialize in the consideration of particular subject areas. The Senate currently has 16 standing committees.
  • Joint Committees include membership from both houses of Congress. Joint committees are usually established with narrow jurisdictions and normally lack authority to report legislation. The position of chair usually alternates each Congress between members from the House and Senate.
  • Special or Select Committees were originally established by the Senate for a limited time period to perform a particular study or investigation. These committees might be given or denied authority to report legislation to the Senate.
  
  

  Select and joint committees generally handle oversight or housekeeping responsibilities.

  In both the House and Senate, no member may chair more than one standing committee. Republicans members in both chambers have imposed term limits on their committee and subcommittee leaders.  Under the restrictions, committee or subcommittee leaders may not serve more than six years as leader.  

  Committee assignments were delayed due to the five days and 15 manual roll call votes on the election of a speaker.  Committee assignments have been slowly trickling out to the public.  The steering committee for each party makes assignments which in turn must be voted on by the Democratic Caucus or Republican Conference. Members are typically limited to service on two committees and four subcommittees, with...]]>My Citizen legislators, one of my followers on TikTok AionTeleos, would love to hear an episode on congressional committees, and what benefit Members of Congress get from those assignments.  I agree!  This is a great idea and timely!

  We are now two weeks into the 118th Congress.  The House and Senate were in recess this week.  

  Well as I can tell you from my time on Capitol Hill as a staffer, committee assignments are extremely important to Members of Congress.  When my former boss, Congressman David Vitter (R-LA-1) ran for the open US Senate seat in Louisiana back in 2004 and won, we had to begin thinking about what committees he was to join in the Senate.  Now a great deal of thought goes into securing plum committee assignments.  Committee assignments can shape a Member’s tenure in Congress, and it can take some effort to secure a spot on a committee that deals with issues relevant to a Member of Congress District or State.  Representatives seek posts on committees with jurisdiction in areas in which they have expertise or that support the interests of their districts and for Senators their states.

  There are three types of committees in each chamber. Standing committees in the Senate and House are permanent and have a defined legislative jurisdiction under Senate Rule XXV or House Rule X, respectively.

  • Types of Committees in the House
  • There are three types of committees: standing, select, and joint.
  • Standing committees are permanent committees whose jurisdiction is identified in the House Rules. Currently there are 20 standing committees 
  • Select committees are created by a resolution to conduct investigations or consider measures, usually on a specific topic, and are not renewed on a permanent basis with the notable exception of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
  • Joint committees, such as the Joint Committee on Taxation, have both House and Senate members and typically conduct studies rather than consider measures.
  • Standing Committees are permanent committees established under the standing rules of the Senate and specialize in the consideration of particular subject areas. The Senate currently has 16 standing committees.
  • Joint Committees include membership from both houses of Congress. Joint committees are usually established with narrow jurisdictions and normally lack authority to report legislation. The position of chair usually alternates each Congress between members from the House and Senate.
  • Special or Select Committees were originally established by the Senate for a limited time period to perform a particular study or investigation. These committees might be given or denied authority to report legislation to the Senate.
  
  

  Select and joint committees generally handle oversight or housekeeping responsibilities.

  In both the House and Senate, no member may chair more than one standing committee. Republicans members in both chambers have imposed term limits on their committee and subcommittee leaders.  Under the restrictions, committee or subcommittee leaders may not serve more than six years as leader.  

  Committee assignments were delayed due to the five days and 15 manual roll call votes on the election of a speaker.  Committee assignments have been slowly trickling out to the public.  The steering committee for each party makes assignments which in turn must be voted on by the Democratic Caucus or Republican Conference. Members are typically limited to service on two committees and four subcommittees, with exceptions for particular committees. 

  The Republican Steering Committee finalized committee assignments for the 118th Congress. I know y’all are curious as to how the 21 holdouts to Speaker McCarthy fared with their committee assignments, right?  Scott Wong, a senior congressional reporter for NBC News and Kyle Stewart an associate producer covering Congress for NBC News delve into those committee assignments of the 21 holdouts.  Let’s roll down that list and boy is it a list!  Some of these holdouts received some plum committee assignments, others are still awaiting when they’ll know their committee assignments.

  The Senate was still in recess but there were internal conversations with leadership about committees. That will be made public next week. 

  • Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, a former head of the Freedom Caucus and one of the five so-called Never Kevins, will keep his spots on the powerful Judiciary and Oversight committees. He changed his vote to "present" on the final ballot for speaker, helping push McCarthy over the finish line.
  • Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina, one of 13 holdouts who flipped to back McCarthy on the 12th ballot, will continue to serve on both the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees.
  • Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, a vocal McCarthy critic who voted "present" on the 14th and 15th ballots, was awarded a seat on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, which plans to launch numerous investigations into the Biden administration. She will continue to serve on the Natural Resources panel, on which she served in the previous Congress.
  • Freshman Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, won a seat on the Homeland Security Committee.
  • Rep. Mike Cloud of Texas, who also flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, won a new seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee, which controls federal spending.
  • Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, another lawmaker who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, will serve for the first time on Appropriations.
  • Freshman Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona, who voted "present" on the 15th ballot, will serve on the Homeland Security Committee.
  • Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who was nominated to run against McCarthy for speaker and flipped to him on the 12th ballot, was named by McCarthy as the "speaker's designee" on the influential Steering Committee, which decides which lawmakers get committee gavels and seats. Donalds also won a coveted spot on the Financial Services Committee, a top panel known on Capitol Hill as an "A" committee.
  • Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, perhaps the most vocal McCarthy foe during the speaker fight, who flipped to "present" in the 14th round, will continue to serve on the Judiciary panel.
  • Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, one of the Never Kevins who flipped to "present" in the last round of voting, has not gotten his committee assignments yet.
  • Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, was reinstated by Republicans on two committees —Oversight and Natural Resources panels — after Democrats removed him two years ago for posting threats to lawmakers on social media.
  • Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, who flipped to McCarthy on the 13th ballot, will continue to serve on the Appropriations panel. Harris, a physician, will be the chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration subcommittee.
  • Freshman Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, won a seat on the Oversight and Natural Resources panels.
  • Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois, who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, will remain on the Agriculture Committee.
  • Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, one of the Never Kevins who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, will remain on the Financial Services panel, which he joined in June.
  • Freshman Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, also won a seat on Financial Services.
  • Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, the chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus who brokered a deal between conservatives and McCarthy, will remain on the Foreign Affairs Committee. A subject of Jan. 6 investigations, Perry won a new seat on the Oversight committee.
  • Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, a Never Kevin who flipped to "present" on the final ballot, will continue to serve on Natural Resources.
  • Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who along with Perry helped negotiate a deal with McCarthy, will keep his seat on the Judiciary panel.
  • Freshman Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, who flipped to McCarthy on the 12th ballot, will serve on the Foreign Affairs panel.
  • Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, who flipped from "present" to vote for McCarthy on the 12th ballot, will continue to serve on the Judiciary panel.
  
  

  In addition to committee assignments, McCarthy had made other concessions to his right flank. He vowed that Freedom Caucus members would get three seats on the speaker-controlled Rules Committee, which decides exactly how bills are considered on the House floor.

  Committee assignments are an important part of a Member of Congress, they will spend an enormous amount of time in committee hearings and markups.  So, it's important to secure the committee assignment that is important to a district and state.

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  CRS IN FOCUS Report: Administration of the House of Representatives: Actions Taken During a New Congress and Following a Majority Change

  About the US Senate Committee System | Committee Assignments

  CRS Report: Committee Assignment Process in the U.S. Senate: Democratic and Republican Party Procedures

  NBCNews.com: What the 21 McCarthy holdouts got in committee assignments     

  Congress.gov: Committees of the U.S. Congress 

  History.house.gov: Securing a Committee Assignment 

  ]]>351ccb11-4500-4301-b3d9-3d0d05292046Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -040035:39falsefull2162162CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Hell Hath No Fury Like a Newly Elected Speaker of the House - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 3My Citizen Legislators. The Speaker’s race is over after a ballbusting and brawling on the House floor in the early hours of Saturday, January 7th.  On January 9th,  the House voted on H.Res. 5 - Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress and for other purposes AKA - House Rules Package for the 118th Congress.  The final vote count was 220 to 213, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) voted with the Democrats.  Rep. Gonzales, a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, denounced that some of McCarthy’s concessions to 21 conservative agitators went too far – specifically one making it easier to oust McCarthy as speaker.  In the package of rules changes McCarthy and the Freedom Caucus negotiated for the 118th Congress was a provision allowing a single lawmaker to force a floor vote to oust McCarthy as speaker.

  Another rule change, secured by conservatives, would ban the practice of automatically raising the federal debt ceiling when Congress passes a budget resolution. It means that the House and Senate will need to take a separate vote to hike the nation’s borrowing limit in addition, Republicans are demanding massive spending cuts in exchange – cutting mandatory programs, i.e. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

  Other rules changes in the package included:

  • Requiring that new spending has to be offset with cuts elsewhere in the budget.
  • Requiring that lawmakers get 72 hours to read a bill before it's brought to the floor.
  • Eliminating proxy or remote voting.
  • Allowing the House to vote to create a select subcommittee focused on investigating the origins of the pandemic and the “weaponization of the federal government.”
  • Gutting the Office of Congressional Ethics, the nonpartisan, independent office that investigates lawmakers.
  
  

  My Citizen Legislators there you have it!  This is what Speaker McCarthy conceded so he could have the job he has pined away for since being elected to Congress in 2006.

  There is so much to unpack here.  Gutting Office of Congressional Ethics essentially is an attempt to keep the razor thin 9-seat GOP majority in tack.  So, no investigations against Rep. George Santos (R-NY-3) or whatever his real name is?  

  Politico.com: Unpacking the House GOP's new rules: A handy guide to the changes 

  Changes to House Rules Affecting the Congressional Budget Process Included in H.Res. 5 (118 th Congress)

  The Holman Rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 2(b))

  H. Res. 5 - Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, and for other purposes.

  BGOV Bill Summary: H. Res. 5, House Rules for the 118th Congress (2)    

  RollCall.com: House adopts rules package for the 118th Congress

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like...]]>My Citizen Legislators. The Speaker’s race is over after a ballbusting and brawling on the House floor in the early hours of Saturday, January 7th.  On January 9th,  the House voted on H.Res. 5 - Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress and for other purposes AKA - House Rules Package for the 118th Congress.  The final vote count was 220 to 213, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) voted with the Democrats.  Rep. Gonzales, a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, denounced that some of McCarthy’s concessions to 21 conservative agitators went too far – specifically one making it easier to oust McCarthy as speaker.  In the package of rules changes McCarthy and the Freedom Caucus negotiated for the 118th Congress was a provision allowing a single lawmaker to force a floor vote to oust McCarthy as speaker.

  Another rule change, secured by conservatives, would ban the practice of automatically raising the federal debt ceiling when Congress passes a budget resolution. It means that the House and Senate will need to take a separate vote to hike the nation’s borrowing limit in addition, Republicans are demanding massive spending cuts in exchange – cutting mandatory programs, i.e. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

  Other rules changes in the package included:

  • Requiring that new spending has to be offset with cuts elsewhere in the budget.
  • Requiring that lawmakers get 72 hours to read a bill before it's brought to the floor.
  • Eliminating proxy or remote voting.
  • Allowing the House to vote to create a select subcommittee focused on investigating the origins of the pandemic and the “weaponization of the federal government.”
  • Gutting the Office of Congressional Ethics, the nonpartisan, independent office that investigates lawmakers.
  
  

  My Citizen Legislators there you have it!  This is what Speaker McCarthy conceded so he could have the job he has pined away for since being elected to Congress in 2006.

  There is so much to unpack here.  Gutting Office of Congressional Ethics essentially is an attempt to keep the razor thin 9-seat GOP majority in tack.  So, no investigations against Rep. George Santos (R-NY-3) or whatever his real name is?  

  Politico.com: Unpacking the House GOP's new rules: A handy guide to the changes 

  Changes to House Rules Affecting the Congressional Budget Process Included in H.Res. 5 (118 th Congress)

  The Holman Rule (House Rule XXI, Clause 2(b))

  H. Res. 5 - Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, and for other purposes.

  BGOV Bill Summary: H. Res. 5, House Rules for the 118th Congress (2)    

  RollCall.com: House adopts rules package for the 118th Congress

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  ]]>102c35e2-7095-44aa-b87b-47cbf1c55943Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -040030:37falsefull2152152CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Federal Government Bouncing a HUGE Check (Defaulting on our Debt & Raising the Debt Limit) - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 2GOVT 101 – Federal Government Bouncing a HUGE Check (Defaulting on our Debt & Raising the Debt Limit)

  The US hit the debt ceiling set by Congress on Thursday, January 19th, forcing the Treasury Department to start taking extraordinary measures to keep the government paying its bills and escalating pressure on Capitol Hill to avoid a catastrophic default. According to Politico, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen suggested such measures may last until early June. Other forecasters say it could be as late as September.

  Ben White, with Politico January 19, 2023 article entitled, “Don’t freak out over the debt limit … yet laid out the politics surrounding the debt ceiling debate.

  In the White House’s view, Republicans are on very poor political ground. Unlike 2010, they scored no big mandate for spending cuts in the 2022 midterms. Republicans raised the debt limit repeatedly under President Donald Trump without any spending cuts. And they were expected to romp in 2022 and only barely snared the House.

  Democrats, meanwhile, will hammer them for the next several months about holding the economy hostage over giving the Treasury the ability to pay for spending commitments Congress has already made.

  The White House team figures there will be a path to a relatively clean hike featuring Democrats and moderate Republicans from districts President Joe Biden carried. Which gets us to …

  Why you should worry a bit. The main reason is that, in order to get the gavel, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) agreed that he would not push through any debt limit hike without significant spending cuts. And his speakership hangs on just one Republican deciding to force a vote to push him out. So hardline fiscal conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus will have outsized power. And making a deal that features mostly Democratic votes seems like it will be quite difficult.

  This drama will run for the next five months and possibly more. It may look very grim and hopeless at times. It has before. But the U.S. has never defaulted. Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of economics knows it simply can’t be allowed to happen. So it’s reasonable — for now at least — to believe 2023 won’t be the year that Congress decides to vaporize the economy for absolutely no good reason.

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  CRS INSIGHT: “Extraordinary Measures” and the Debt Limit 

  CRS IN FOCUS Report: The Debt Limit

  US Treasury News Release: Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit

  Debt-Limit-Letter-to-Congress-McCarthy-20230113

  GOVT 101 – Federal Government Bouncing a HUGE Check (Defaulting on our Debt & Raising the Debt Limit)

  The US hit the debt ceiling set by Congress on Thursday, January 19th, forcing the Treasury Department to start taking extraordinary measures to keep the government paying its bills and escalating pressure on Capitol Hill to avoid a catastrophic default. According to Politico, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen suggested such measures may last until early June. Other forecasters say it could be as late as September.

  Ben White, with Politico January 19, 2023 article entitled, “Don’t freak out over the debt limit … yet laid out the politics surrounding the debt ceiling debate.

  In the White House’s view, Republicans are on very poor political ground. Unlike 2010, they scored no big mandate for spending cuts in the 2022 midterms. Republicans raised the debt limit repeatedly under President Donald Trump without any spending cuts. And they were expected to romp in 2022 and only barely snared the House.

  Democrats, meanwhile, will hammer them for the next several months about holding the economy hostage over giving the Treasury the ability to pay for spending commitments Congress has already made.

  The White House team figures there will be a path to a relatively clean hike featuring Democrats and moderate Republicans from districts President Joe Biden carried. Which gets us to …

  Why you should worry a bit. The main reason is that, in order to get the gavel, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) agreed that he would not push through any debt limit hike without significant spending cuts. And his speakership hangs on just one Republican deciding to force a vote to push him out. So hardline fiscal conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus will have outsized power. And making a deal that features mostly Democratic votes seems like it will be quite difficult.

  This drama will run for the next five months and possibly more. It may look very grim and hopeless at times. It has before. But the U.S. has never defaulted. Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of economics knows it simply can’t be allowed to happen. So it’s reasonable — for now at least — to believe 2023 won’t be the year that Congress decides to vaporize the economy for absolutely no good reason.

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  CRS INSIGHT: “Extraordinary Measures” and the Debt Limit 

  CRS IN FOCUS Report: The Debt Limit

  US Treasury News Release: Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit

  Debt-Limit-Letter-to-Congress-McCarthy-20230113

  committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: Q&A: Everything You Should Know About the Debt Ceiling   

  Politico.com: Don't Freak Out Over The Debt Limit...Yet 

  Thehill.com: McCarthy Tries to get out of his box on debt ceiling

  Thehill.com: Why the White House is refusing to negotiate on the debt ceiling  

  Bloomberg Government: What’s the Debt Ceiling, and Will the US Raise It?: QuickTake 

  
  

  
  

  ]]>1714b4ac-4004-4365-afd2-c7b71d802275Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -040033:25falsefull2142142CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Its Ground Hog Day in Congress - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 1This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  My Citizen Legislators this week Congress convened the first session of the 118th Congress.  There have been 11 rounds of votes for the Speaker of the House as of Thursday evening.  House Republicans asked for a Motion to Adjourn and it was agreed to by a vote of 219 to 213 and 2 not voting.

  Rep.-Elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) does not have the votes.  Twenty republicans have consistently voted against him.  Republicans have a 9 seat majority at 222 members to 213 Democratic members.  McCarthy can only afford to lose 4 votes.  He has conceded to the demands of the two Republicans – Motion to Vacate the Chair, a mechanism to oust the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Placing members of the House Freedom Caucus on the House Rules Committee.  The Committee on Rules is amongst the oldest standing committees in the House, having been first formally constituted on April 2, 1789. The Committee is commonly known as “The Speaker’s Committee” because it is the mechanism that the Speaker uses to maintain control of the House Floor, and was chaired by the Speaker until 1910. Because of the vast power wielded by the Rules Committee, its ratio has traditionally been weighted in favor of the majority party and has been in its “2 to 1” (9 majority and 4 minority members) configuration since the late 1970s.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  CRS Report R44243 Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions 

  CRS Report: The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the Senate Floor

  CRS Report: Party Leaders in the House: Election, Duties, and Responsibilities  

  Bloomberg: McCarthy Blocked for 11th Time in Longest Fight Since 1859

  Bloomberg: Conservative Revolt Against McCarthy Erupts After Years of Anger

  Politico.com: McCarthy fails on 11th ballot amid hopes for tentative deal with conservatives

  The Hill: GOP discusses new concessions in behind-the-scenes talks on making McCarthy Speaker

  ]]>This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  My Citizen Legislators this week Congress convened the first session of the 118th Congress.  There have been 11 rounds of votes for the Speaker of the House as of Thursday evening.  House Republicans asked for a Motion to Adjourn and it was agreed to by a vote of 219 to 213 and 2 not voting.

  Rep.-Elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) does not have the votes.  Twenty republicans have consistently voted against him.  Republicans have a 9 seat majority at 222 members to 213 Democratic members.  McCarthy can only afford to lose 4 votes.  He has conceded to the demands of the two Republicans – Motion to Vacate the Chair, a mechanism to oust the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Placing members of the House Freedom Caucus on the House Rules Committee.  The Committee on Rules is amongst the oldest standing committees in the House, having been first formally constituted on April 2, 1789. The Committee is commonly known as “The Speaker’s Committee” because it is the mechanism that the Speaker uses to maintain control of the House Floor, and was chaired by the Speaker until 1910. Because of the vast power wielded by the Rules Committee, its ratio has traditionally been weighted in favor of the majority party and has been in its “2 to 1” (9 majority and 4 minority members) configuration since the late 1970s.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  CRS Report R44243 Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions 

  CRS Report: The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the Senate Floor

  CRS Report: Party Leaders in the House: Election, Duties, and Responsibilities  

  Bloomberg: McCarthy Blocked for 11th Time in Longest Fight Since 1859

  Bloomberg: Conservative Revolt Against McCarthy Erupts After Years of Anger

  Politico.com: McCarthy fails on 11th ballot amid hopes for tentative deal with conservatives

  The Hill: GOP discusses new concessions in behind-the-scenes talks on making McCarthy Speaker

  ]]>32b4aa68-0e95-49b4-8bde-39320ccabc68Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -040055:50falsefull2132132CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Organizing Congress – Leaders and Committees: GOVT 101" S 1 EP 12We are winding down the second session of the 117th Congress.  There are no uncontested midterm election races and on December 6th, Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) defeated Herschel Walker for a full 6-year term in the Senate.

  Both Democratic and Republican parties have begun the ritual of organizing for the 118th Congress that will convene on January 3, 2023.

  Democrats traditionally use the seniority system to select chairs and ranking members on committees, and they do not enforce term limits. House Republicans adhere to a six -year term limit for chairs and often see competitive races for top committee gavels, like Appropriations and Ways and Means.

  GETTING ORGANIZED— House Democrats are moving full speed ahead to lock-in lower ranking leadership roles and key committee leaders by the middle of next week. Ranking members of House committees could be set by then, after the Steering Committee makes its recommendations. Tomorrow the caucus will look at Budget Committee leadership and the new position of Battleground Leadership Representative, giving frontliners a seat at the leadership table.

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  
  

  Party Leaders in the United States Congress, 1789-2019 

  
  

  Dems ready for covid compromise on NDAA - POLITICO

   

  Congressional Deskbook The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress Sixth Edition Judy Schneider and Michael L. Koempel

  
  

  
  

  The Hill.com: When are House and Senate leadership elections? 

  
  

  RollCall: Democrats compete to do ‘unglamorous’ work in House leadership posts  

  
  

  Hoyer Statement on Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

  
  

  Hoyer Statement on Democratic Whip Katherine Clark  

  
  

  Hoyer Statement on House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar

  
  

  Majority Leader Schumer Announces Senate Democratic Leadership Team For The 118th Congress

  
  

  We are winding down the second session of the 117th Congress.  There are no uncontested midterm election races and on December 6th, Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) defeated Herschel Walker for a full 6-year term in the Senate.

  Both Democratic and Republican parties have begun the ritual of organizing for the 118th Congress that will convene on January 3, 2023.

  Democrats traditionally use the seniority system to select chairs and ranking members on committees, and they do not enforce term limits. House Republicans adhere to a six -year term limit for chairs and often see competitive races for top committee gavels, like Appropriations and Ways and Means.

  GETTING ORGANIZED— House Democrats are moving full speed ahead to lock-in lower ranking leadership roles and key committee leaders by the middle of next week. Ranking members of House committees could be set by then, after the Steering Committee makes its recommendations. Tomorrow the caucus will look at Budget Committee leadership and the new position of Battleground Leadership Representative, giving frontliners a seat at the leadership table.

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  
  

  Party Leaders in the United States Congress, 1789-2019 

  
  

  Dems ready for covid compromise on NDAA - POLITICO

   

  Congressional Deskbook The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress Sixth Edition Judy Schneider and Michael L. Koempel

  
  

  
  

  The Hill.com: When are House and Senate leadership elections? 

  
  

  RollCall: Democrats compete to do ‘unglamorous’ work in House leadership posts  

  
  

  Hoyer Statement on Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

  
  

  Hoyer Statement on Democratic Whip Katherine Clark  

  
  

  Hoyer Statement on House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar

  
  

  Majority Leader Schumer Announces Senate Democratic Leadership Team For The 118th Congress

  
  

  CNN.com: House Republicans brace for doomsday scenario if McCarthy falls short of 218 votes for speaker

  ]]>c4ab206d-059d-425e-a6f0-7e96b309fdfeWed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -040049:05falsefull1121121CRYSTAL ELLERBE"CRYSTAL IS OFF THE CUFF Realpolitik 101" S1 S 1 EP 11In this episode, Crystal is shooting off the cuff with Marcus and discussing what's going on in the world of politics. Sometimes we just need to vent.

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  ]]>In this episode, Crystal is shooting off the cuff with Marcus and discussing what's going on in the world of politics. Sometimes we just need to vent.

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  ]]>21398a1c-86ea-407d-ac48-6b381485c6ecMon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -040054:13falsefull1111111CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Appropriations GOVT 101" S 1 EP 10I want to delve into how YOUR government is funded through the appropriations process.  We all pay taxes and I am sure y’all are interested in learning how your tax payer dollars are being spent by Congress.  The House Appropriations Committee has completed its work on the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations.  The House of Representatives passed six of the twelve appropriation bills – (T-HUD, AG, Energy-Water, FSGG, Interior, MCVA) H.R. 8294 the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act on July 20, 2022 by a vote of 220-207.  

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  ]]>I want to delve into how YOUR government is funded through the appropriations process.  We all pay taxes and I am sure y’all are interested in learning how your tax payer dollars are being spent by Congress.  The House Appropriations Committee has completed its work on the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations.  The House of Representatives passed six of the twelve appropriation bills – (T-HUD, AG, Energy-Water, FSGG, Interior, MCVA) H.R. 8294 the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act on July 20, 2022 by a vote of 220-207.  

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  ]]>a42f8bf7-7b9b-4ea4-ae00-b00f0ff1c2feTue, 29 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -040001:04:19falsefull1101101CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Two Cougars and a Florida Man with a Microphone – Bob Stokes & Erica Anderson - Realpolitik 101" S 1 EP 9Hello my fellow Citizen Legislators! In this episode we are going to have a lively conversation about  – The Redskins (Washington Commanders), Gumbo Recipes, Hunter Biden, Pennsylvania US Senate candidates John Fetterman/Dr. Oz, Georgia US Senate candidate Herschel Walker, Britney Griner, Ukraine, Weed legalization and The Tune Inn and DC’s baffling social scene.  

  I want to welcome my guests to the show, Robert Stokes, Attorney at Law in Tampa, FL and Erica Anderson.  Thank you for agreeing to come onto the Topless Government podcast show.

  A little background on how I know Bob Stokes and Erica Anderson. Bob Stokes and I have known one another since our days in the US Senate.  He worked for the senior Senator from Alaska, the Late Senator Ted Stevens and I worked for the junior Senator from Alaska, former Senator Frank Murkowski.  Eric Anderson and I have been friends since 1995. We both worked for Senator Frank Murkowski, I worked in the personal office and she worked on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

  Welcome, Bob and Erica to Topless Government.  Thank you for coming onto the show.

  Now, let’s dive in on midterm elections – Pennsylvania US Senate debate between John Fetterman and Dr. OZ.  Georgia US Senate candidate Herschel Walker.  

  TUNE INN - 300 Photos & 508 Reviews - 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC - Menu - Yelp

  Grassley, Johnson share Hunter Biden's China-linked bank records with US attorney leading criminal probe (msn.com)

  
  

  U.S. Senate hopeful Herschel Walker faces fresh claim of paying for abortion (msn.com)

  
  

  Fetterman’s Uneven Debate Gives Oz Traction in Pennsylvania Race (msn.com)

  
  

  How the handling of Fetterman’s stroke compares with Mark Kirk’s in 2016 - The Washington Post

  
  

  Fetterman’s debate performance prompts Democratic handwringing - POLITICO

  
  

  CRS Report Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine: Overview of U.S. Sanctions and Other Responses

  
  

  CRS Report Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Supplemental Funding for Ukraine: In Brief

  
  

  Washington Commanders

  
  

  Griner faces difficult conditions at Russian penal colony, former prisoners and advocates say (nbcnews.com)

  
  

  Hello my fellow Citizen Legislators! In this episode we are going to have a lively conversation about  – The Redskins (Washington Commanders), Gumbo Recipes, Hunter Biden, Pennsylvania US Senate candidates John Fetterman/Dr. Oz, Georgia US Senate candidate Herschel Walker, Britney Griner, Ukraine, Weed legalization and The Tune Inn and DC’s baffling social scene.  

  I want to welcome my guests to the show, Robert Stokes, Attorney at Law in Tampa, FL and Erica Anderson.  Thank you for agreeing to come onto the Topless Government podcast show.

  A little background on how I know Bob Stokes and Erica Anderson. Bob Stokes and I have known one another since our days in the US Senate.  He worked for the senior Senator from Alaska, the Late Senator Ted Stevens and I worked for the junior Senator from Alaska, former Senator Frank Murkowski.  Eric Anderson and I have been friends since 1995. We both worked for Senator Frank Murkowski, I worked in the personal office and she worked on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

  Welcome, Bob and Erica to Topless Government.  Thank you for coming onto the show.

  Now, let’s dive in on midterm elections – Pennsylvania US Senate debate between John Fetterman and Dr. OZ.  Georgia US Senate candidate Herschel Walker.  

  TUNE INN - 300 Photos & 508 Reviews - 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC - Menu - Yelp

  Grassley, Johnson share Hunter Biden's China-linked bank records with US attorney leading criminal probe (msn.com)

  
  

  U.S. Senate hopeful Herschel Walker faces fresh claim of paying for abortion (msn.com)

  
  

  Fetterman’s Uneven Debate Gives Oz Traction in Pennsylvania Race (msn.com)

  
  

  How the handling of Fetterman’s stroke compares with Mark Kirk’s in 2016 - The Washington Post

  
  

  Fetterman’s debate performance prompts Democratic handwringing - POLITICO

  
  

  CRS Report Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine: Overview of U.S. Sanctions and Other Responses

  
  

  CRS Report Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Supplemental Funding for Ukraine: In Brief

  
  

  Washington Commanders

  
  

  Griner faces difficult conditions at Russian penal colony, former prisoners and advocates say (nbcnews.com)

  
  

  NOLA Eater: 21 Restaurants Serving Some of the Best Gumbo in and Around New Orleans 

  
  

  CRS Report: The Evolution of Marijuana as a Controlled Substance and the Federal-State Policy Gap      

  US Senator Charles Grassley Press Release: Grassley, Johnson Share Investigative Material With Prosecutors In Hunter Biden Criminal Probe 

  
  

  
  

  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power! 

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  Citizen legislators, thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>19dc49b8-11cd-474e-86cb-b16b672a2af3Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -040002:23:47falsefull19191CRYSTAL ELLERBE"How Our Views of Candidates for Public Office Qualifications Have Shifted, Guest, Ron Hamm, President of Hamm Consulting Group - Realpolitik 101" S 1 EP 8I am pleased to have my guest join our show.  Ron Hamm, President of Hamm Consulting Group Hamm Consulting Group.  Ron is a friend and colleague who taught me how to be an effective advocate for my clients.  [Ron talks about his background and the Hamm Consulting Group.]

  In this episode, Ron and I are going to delve into how the qualities and abilities of candidates running for public office have changed in a dramatic way and may not be in the best interest of our nation.

  Thank Ron Hamm for coming on the show and being my guest on Topless Government.

  How inexperienced candidates and primary challenges are making Republicans the protest party (brookings.edu)

  More Than Ever, Candidates’ Skills Matter: Comments on Congress: Hamilton's Views: Programs: Center on Representative Government: Indiana University (iu.edu)

  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power! 

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  Citizen legislators, thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>I am pleased to have my guest join our show.  Ron Hamm, President of Hamm Consulting Group Hamm Consulting Group.  Ron is a friend and colleague who taught me how to be an effective advocate for my clients.  [Ron talks about his background and the Hamm Consulting Group.]

  In this episode, Ron and I are going to delve into how the qualities and abilities of candidates running for public office have changed in a dramatic way and may not be in the best interest of our nation.

  Thank Ron Hamm for coming on the show and being my guest on Topless Government.

  How inexperienced candidates and primary challenges are making Republicans the protest party (brookings.edu)

  More Than Ever, Candidates’ Skills Matter: Comments on Congress: Hamilton's Views: Programs: Center on Representative Government: Indiana University (iu.edu)

  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power! 

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  Citizen legislators, thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>595b2c0c-a678-4a94-ae13-a3732630f980Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -040001:02:11falsefull18181CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Looking into My Crystal Ball at the Midterm Election 2022 GOVT 101" S 1 EP 7Citizen legislators, let's get into it about the 2022 midterm elections.  We are four weeks until the general election.  All I can say is there’s a lot riding on this,  specifically our democracy.  This is a prelude to the 2024 presidential election. Key in on Senate races in GA, NC, NV, PA, and WI.  A few of the outliner House races let's see what Cook Political Report is saying and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball from UVA Center of Politics. 

  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power! 

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  Citizen legislators, thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  2022 Election Forecast: Ratings, Predictions & Key Races (politico.com)

  The Economist’s 2022 Senate forecast | The Economist

  
  

  2022 Senate Race ratings | Cook Political Report

  
  

  2022 House Race ratings | Cook Political Report

  
  

  Cook Political Report 2022 House Ratings - 270toWin

  
  

  Half of voters motivated by demise of Roe v. Wade, poll finds (axios.com)

  
  

  Four Weeks to Go – Sabato's Crystal Ball (centerforpolitics.org)

  
  

  2022 Midterm Elections Tracker | Morning Consult

  
  

  Senate Ratings | Inside Elections

  
  

  Kornacki: Republicans have moved ahead in generic ballot but only slightly (msnbc.com)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  ]]>Citizen legislators, let's get into it about the 2022 midterm elections.  We are four weeks until the general election.  All I can say is there’s a lot riding on this,  specifically our democracy.  This is a prelude to the 2024 presidential election. Key in on Senate races in GA, NC, NV, PA, and WI.  A few of the outliner House races let's see what Cook Political Report is saying and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball from UVA Center of Politics. 

  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power! 

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America, and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  Citizen legislators, thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  2022 Election Forecast: Ratings, Predictions & Key Races (politico.com)

  The Economist’s 2022 Senate forecast | The Economist

  
  

  2022 Senate Race ratings | Cook Political Report

  
  

  2022 House Race ratings | Cook Political Report

  
  

  Cook Political Report 2022 House Ratings - 270toWin

  
  

  Half of voters motivated by demise of Roe v. Wade, poll finds (axios.com)

  
  

  Four Weeks to Go – Sabato's Crystal Ball (centerforpolitics.org)

  
  

  2022 Midterm Elections Tracker | Morning Consult

  
  

  Senate Ratings | Inside Elections

  
  

  Kornacki: Republicans have moved ahead in generic ballot but only slightly (msnbc.com)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  ]]>bad8ee85-f6f6-4c49-b086-3f2aad3e9cfdTue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -040051:14falsefull17171CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Lame Duck GOVT 101" S 1 EP 6Congress recessed for the midterm elections back in September and they have many big-ticket legislative items to approve once they are back in session on November 14th.  Today citizen legislators your host will discuss in this episode a “lame-duck session.” Now for those of you who live outside the Beltway, you're probably scratching your heads and yourself, what the heck is a “lame-duck session”?  Well, I’m about to provide you with the definition from the horse's mouth, so to speak, the United States Senate.

  When Congress is in session after a November election and before the beginning of the new Congress, it is known as a "lame-duck session." Prior to the adoption of the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution (1933), new Congresses convened in December of odd-numbered years, allowing the post-election Congress to meet and pass legislation for more than a year. The 1933 Amendment changed the convening date for a new Congress to January 3 of odd-numbered years, shortening the time between an election and the beginning of the next Congress to just two months. Since that time, Congress has met in the lame-duck session to conclude urgent or unfinished business.

  We are less than a month away from the midterm elections and I for one am trying to figure what’s going to happen during the lame-duck session.  Congress needs to finish its work on the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriation  bills – there will likely be an omnibus appropriations bill – all twelve individual bills wrapped up into a very large bill. S. 4543, James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA). Sam-sex marriage, H.R. 4040, Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2021, tax extenders, emergency supplemental for hurricanes Fiona and Ian, election reform.

  Lame Duck Sessions of Congress Following a Majority-Changing Election: In Brief

  The Enactment of Appropriations Measures During Lame Duck Sessions (congress.gov)

  Lame Duck Sessions of Congress, 1935-2018 (74th-115th Congresses)

  U.S. Senate: Lame Duck Sessions (1940-Present)

  Buckle up, Congress: A ‘very lame’ lame duck is coming after the election - POLITICO

  Lame duck looks stuffed - POLITICO

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As...]]>Congress recessed for the midterm elections back in September and they have many big-ticket legislative items to approve once they are back in session on November 14th.  Today citizen legislators your host will discuss in this episode a “lame-duck session.” Now for those of you who live outside the Beltway, you're probably scratching your heads and yourself, what the heck is a “lame-duck session”?  Well, I’m about to provide you with the definition from the horse's mouth, so to speak, the United States Senate.

  When Congress is in session after a November election and before the beginning of the new Congress, it is known as a "lame-duck session." Prior to the adoption of the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution (1933), new Congresses convened in December of odd-numbered years, allowing the post-election Congress to meet and pass legislation for more than a year. The 1933 Amendment changed the convening date for a new Congress to January 3 of odd-numbered years, shortening the time between an election and the beginning of the next Congress to just two months. Since that time, Congress has met in the lame-duck session to conclude urgent or unfinished business.

  We are less than a month away from the midterm elections and I for one am trying to figure what’s going to happen during the lame-duck session.  Congress needs to finish its work on the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriation  bills – there will likely be an omnibus appropriations bill – all twelve individual bills wrapped up into a very large bill. S. 4543, James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA). Sam-sex marriage, H.R. 4040, Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID–19 Act of 2021, tax extenders, emergency supplemental for hurricanes Fiona and Ian, election reform.

  Lame Duck Sessions of Congress Following a Majority-Changing Election: In Brief

  The Enactment of Appropriations Measures During Lame Duck Sessions (congress.gov)

  Lame Duck Sessions of Congress, 1935-2018 (74th-115th Congresses)

  U.S. Senate: Lame Duck Sessions (1940-Present)

  Buckle up, Congress: A ‘very lame’ lame duck is coming after the election - POLITICO

  Lame duck looks stuffed - POLITICO

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  ]]>5fc057f4-c0cd-43bd-a133-86e4184190e9Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -040038:12falsefull16161CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Budget Reconciliation and H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Budget GOVT 101" S 1 EP 5Since the House and Senate have completed its work on the Inflation Reduction Act.  Thought now would be the perfect time to talk about the federal budget process.  I learned about the federal budget process when I was taking graduate level courses in congressional studies at the Legislative Studies Institute.  We had a guest speaker come to talk with my class about the federal budget process and the guest speaker was Stanley Collender.

  The federal budget process begins with the President submitting their budget,  the first Monday in February. 

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  CRS Report: The Executive Budget Process: An Overview

  CRS Report: Introduction to the Federal Budget Process

  
  

  CRS Report: The Budget Resolution and the Senate’s Automatic Discharge Process

  
  

  The Guide To The Federal Budget Fiscal 2000 by Stanley E. Collender

  
  

  CRS Report: The Role of the President in Budget Development: In Brief    

  
  

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>Since the House and Senate have completed its work on the Inflation Reduction Act.  Thought now would be the perfect time to talk about the federal budget process.  I learned about the federal budget process when I was taking graduate level courses in congressional studies at the Legislative Studies Institute.  We had a guest speaker come to talk with my class about the federal budget process and the guest speaker was Stanley Collender.

  The federal budget process begins with the President submitting their budget,  the first Monday in February. 

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.

  CRS Report: The Executive Budget Process: An Overview

  CRS Report: Introduction to the Federal Budget Process

  
  

  CRS Report: The Budget Resolution and the Senate’s Automatic Discharge Process

  
  

  The Guide To The Federal Budget Fiscal 2000 by Stanley E. Collender

  
  

  CRS Report: The Role of the President in Budget Development: In Brief    

  
  

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>5444e69b-55ec-4202-a4b1-e659a473921eWed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -040027:17falsefull15151CRYSTAL ELLERBE"#VoteNOoni82, Why Initiative 82 is bad for the TIPPED employees of Washington DC, Realpolitik 101" S 1 EP 4Election Day is only a few short weeks away, and we MUST get the word out about what is happening with Initiative 82 and how its passing would affect the livelihoods and the restaurant/bar industry community as a whole in Washington DC. The REAL tipped employees of Washington DC did not ask for this and strongly oppose Initiative 82. VOTE NO ON 82!!

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  ]]>Election Day is only a few short weeks away, and we MUST get the word out about what is happening with Initiative 82 and how its passing would affect the livelihoods and the restaurant/bar industry community as a whole in Washington DC. The REAL tipped employees of Washington DC did not ask for this and strongly oppose Initiative 82. VOTE NO ON 82!!

  Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  ]]>9ae02c2a-f6b3-45c6-acf7-113f6b9d4a2cWed, 19 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -040001:29:41falsefull14141CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Natural Disasters – Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian GOVT 101" S 1 EP 3Well, Wednesday afternoon Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm. 

  In this episode, I discuss my previous experience with hurricanes in Louisiana – Hurricane Katrina.  Relieve experience working on capitol hill post-Katrina.  I discuss the process of providing appropriations for natural disasters.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  How a Disaster Gets Declared | FEMA.gov

  CRS Report The Disaster Relief Fund: Overview and Issues

  CRS Report Congressional Primer on Responding to and Recovering from Major Disasters and Emergencies

  Individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida now can apply for assistance.

   www.DisasterAssistance.gov

  800-621-3362

  Small Business Administration (SBA)

  American Red Cross

  Salvation Army

  White House FACTSHEET: The Biden Administration Continues to Support Hurricane Ian Response Efforts 

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>Well, Wednesday afternoon Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm. 

  In this episode, I discuss my previous experience with hurricanes in Louisiana – Hurricane Katrina.  Relieve experience working on capitol hill post-Katrina.  I discuss the process of providing appropriations for natural disasters.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  How a Disaster Gets Declared | FEMA.gov

  CRS Report The Disaster Relief Fund: Overview and Issues

  CRS Report Congressional Primer on Responding to and Recovering from Major Disasters and Emergencies

  Individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida now can apply for assistance.

   www.DisasterAssistance.gov

  800-621-3362

  Small Business Administration (SBA)

  American Red Cross

  Salvation Army

  White House FACTSHEET: The Biden Administration Continues to Support Hurricane Ian Response Efforts 

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>5d7591ff-412d-44e0-b4f2-3b4873017a53Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -040055:59falsefull13131CRYSTAL ELLERBE"I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional Staffer, GOVT 101" S 1 EP 2GOVT 101 – I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional Staffer

  Welcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing some topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  So, everyone remembers Schoolhouse Rock, I’m Just A Bill, right?  I want to take you on a journey of the very first bill as a congressional staffer I worked on.

  My boss at the time was a member of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, representing the First Congressional District.  Congressman Vitter was a strong supporter of cleaning up Lake Pontchartrain Basin, a 10,000 square mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes. The land use of the region is both rural and urban and is the most densely populated region in Louisiana, including metro New Orleans and the state capital, Baton Rouge. It is one of the largest estuarine systems in the Gulf of Mexico containing over 22 essential habitats. The Basin's topography ranges from rolling woodlands in the north to coastal marshes in the south, with the 630 square mile Lake Pontchartrain as its centerpiece.

  1. Crystal shares her story about getting her boss's signature bill over the finish line. H.R. 4470, a bill that would reauthorize appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program. H.R. 4470 Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE H8337 
  2. Crystal conveys her thoughts and takeaways on the legislative process of working on H.R. 4470.  Break down the legislative and political jargon.
  
  

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>GOVT 101 – I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional Staffer

  Welcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Remember knowledge is power!  So let’s get started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House.  I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington, DC.

  This is the beginning of the FIRST SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing some topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works.  

  So, everyone remembers Schoolhouse Rock, I’m Just A Bill, right?  I want to take you on a journey of the very first bill as a congressional staffer I worked on.

  My boss at the time was a member of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, representing the First Congressional District.  Congressman Vitter was a strong supporter of cleaning up Lake Pontchartrain Basin, a 10,000 square mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes. The land use of the region is both rural and urban and is the most densely populated region in Louisiana, including metro New Orleans and the state capital, Baton Rouge. It is one of the largest estuarine systems in the Gulf of Mexico containing over 22 essential habitats. The Basin's topography ranges from rolling woodlands in the north to coastal marshes in the south, with the 630 square mile Lake Pontchartrain as its centerpiece.

  1. Crystal shares her story about getting her boss's signature bill over the finish line. H.R. 4470, a bill that would reauthorize appropriations for the Environmental Protection Agency Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program. H.R. 4470 Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE H8337 
  2. Crystal conveys her thoughts and takeaways on the legislative process of working on H.R. 4470.  Break down the legislative and political jargon.
  
  

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chief.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  ]]>c0f9eb32-7947-467a-bcba-3aef3f2f0957Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -040027:16falsefull12121CRYSTAL ELLERBE"Overturning of Roe v. Wade GOVT 101" S 1 EP 1This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Originally, I was working on launching the show sometime in July, however, on Friday when the news broke that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I decided now I should start my show and begin conveying my knowledge of government and politics so others can be better informed.  Remember knowledge is power!

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House of Representatives.  I’ve had the privilege of working in state and local government, corporate America, and several lobbying firms here in Washington, DC.  So tune in next week to Topless Government where I will share my thoughts on the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.  Thank you.

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  SHOW NOTES:

  On Friday, June 24, 2022, SCOTUS overturned Roe v Wade which was the settled law of the land on access to abortions by a vote of 5-4 with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the democratic liberal justices.

  Politico What does ‘overturn Roe v Wade’ mean? June 24, 2022 12:21pm

  • Right now 22 states have either made abortions illegal or had trigger laws in the event Roe v Wade was ever overturned by the Supreme Court  – 30 days ban on abortion will take effect. 
  
  

  Politico Abortion laws by state:  Where abortions are illegal after Roe v Wade overturned June 24, 2022

  • ONLY three states – South Dakota, Louisiana, and Kentucky have laws that immediately ban most abortions.
  • The 13 states with trigger laws also have different exceptions to their near-total bans. While they all allow abortions to save the life of the pregnant person, only five include exceptions for rape or incest.
  • Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, and Iowa have laws prohibiting abortion once a fetal hearbeat is detected, around six weeks, but those laws were blocked by judges operating under Roe.
  • Abortion will remain in the remaining 27 states, though the laws in those states aren’t uniform either.
  • Colorado, New Jersey, Oregon, and Delaware are four states that protect the right to abortion throughout pregnancy
  
  

  Congressional Research Service Legal Sidebar Congressional Court Watcher:  Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (May 2-May 8, 2022) May 9, 2022 Michael John Garacia, Deputy Assistant Director/ALD LSB10740 Congressional Court Watcher: Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (May 2–May 8, 2022)

  
  

  The Supreme Court concluded that there is not a constitutional right to an abortion and would overrule earlier Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. The Court’s decision will reshape the constitutional framework governing abortion. Legal questions about restrictions on abortion access would no longer turn on whether such restrictions unduly burden the exercise of a constitutional right to abortion. Instead, many...]]>This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses.  I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works.  Originally, I was working on launching the show sometime in July, however, on Friday when the news broke that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I decided now I should start my show and begin conveying my knowledge of government and politics so others can be better informed.  Remember knowledge is power!

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe.  I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics.  I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House of Representatives.  I’ve had the privilege of working in state and local government, corporate America, and several lobbying firms here in Washington, DC.  So tune in next week to Topless Government where I will share my thoughts on the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.  Thank you.

  This was Topless Government, the government and politics show.  If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show.  We’re on YouTube and Facebook right now.  Production is courtesy of Marcus Donovan, the Pasteurized Chef.  You can check out his show – the District of Misfits Show – every Sunday evening.  They go live at 10 pm.  This show is a District Dogface Studios Production.  

  Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of politics.  I look forward to geeking out with you again.

  SHOW NOTES:

  On Friday, June 24, 2022, SCOTUS overturned Roe v Wade which was the settled law of the land on access to abortions by a vote of 5-4 with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the democratic liberal justices.

  Politico What does ‘overturn Roe v Wade’ mean? June 24, 2022 12:21pm

  • Right now 22 states have either made abortions illegal or had trigger laws in the event Roe v Wade was ever overturned by the Supreme Court  – 30 days ban on abortion will take effect. 
  
  

  Politico Abortion laws by state:  Where abortions are illegal after Roe v Wade overturned June 24, 2022

  • ONLY three states – South Dakota, Louisiana, and Kentucky have laws that immediately ban most abortions.
  • The 13 states with trigger laws also have different exceptions to their near-total bans. While they all allow abortions to save the life of the pregnant person, only five include exceptions for rape or incest.
  • Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, and Iowa have laws prohibiting abortion once a fetal hearbeat is detected, around six weeks, but those laws were blocked by judges operating under Roe.
  • Abortion will remain in the remaining 27 states, though the laws in those states aren’t uniform either.
  • Colorado, New Jersey, Oregon, and Delaware are four states that protect the right to abortion throughout pregnancy
  
  

  Congressional Research Service Legal Sidebar Congressional Court Watcher:  Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (May 2-May 8, 2022) May 9, 2022 Michael John Garacia, Deputy Assistant Director/ALD LSB10740 Congressional Court Watcher: Recent Appellate Decisions of Interest to Lawmakers (May 2–May 8, 2022)

  
  

  The Supreme Court concluded that there is not a constitutional right to an abortion and would overrule earlier Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. The Court’s decision will reshape the constitutional framework governing abortion. Legal questions about restrictions on abortion access would no longer turn on whether such restrictions unduly burden the exercise of a constitutional right to abortion. Instead, many of the central legal questions surrounding abortion regulation would concern the constitutional powers of the states and federal government. These questions may include, among others, the scope of Congress’s power to, directly and indirectly, regulate abortion access, such as through federal laws and policies that preempt inconsistent state policies; and the ability of a state to regulate travel by residents seeking abortions in other jurisdiction (e.g., in another state or on tribal lands) 

  
  

  Congressional Research Service Legal Sidebar Supreme Court Considers Mississippi Abortion Law Jon O. Shimabukuro Legislative Attorney  LSB10669  Supreme Court Considers Mississippi Abortion Law 

  
  

  Considerations for Congress 

  
  

  The Supreme Court is not expected to issue a decision in Dobbs until early summer 2022. If the Court concludes that pre-viability abortion prohibitions are permissible, it seems possible that there could be greater support for federal legislation similar to the GAA. Federal legislation could potentially supersede varying state requirements and create a uniform national standard. Bills like the GAA were passed by the House of Representatives during the 113th, 114th, and 115th Congresses. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (PCUCPA), introduced as H.R. 1080 and S. 61 in the 117th Congress, would generally prohibit the performance or attempted performance of an abortion once the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus is 20 weeks or greater. The PCUCPA states that it would further a “compelling governmental interest in protecting the lives of unborn children from the stage at which substantial medical evidence indicates that they are capable of feeling pain.” 

  
  

  Conversely, if the Court were to overrule Roe and Casey, determining that the Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, those who support such a right might promote legislation that would establish a statutory right to access the procedure. The Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), introduced as H.R. 3755 and S. 1975 in the 117th Congress, would provide such a right and preempt state restrictions on the procedure. The House passed H.R. 3755 on September 24, 2021. The bill is awaiting further consideration in the Senate. Additional information on the WHPA is included in CRS Report Abortion: Judicial History and Legislative Response. 

  
  

  
  

  Congressional Research Service Report Abortion: Judicial History and Legislative Response RL33467Jon O. Shimabukuro Legislative Attorney Abortion: Judicial History and Legislative Response 

  
  

  Hyde-Type Amendments to Appropriations Measures 

  
  

  As an alternative to the unsuccessful attempts to prohibit abortion outright, opponents of abortion sought to ban the use of federal funds to pay for the performance of the procedure. Because most federally funded abortions were reimbursed under Medicaid, they focused their efforts primarily on that program. 

  
  

  The Medicaid program was established in 1965 to fund medical care for indigent persons through a federal-state cost-sharing arrangement.188 Abortions were not initially covered under the program. During the Nixon Administration, however, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare decided to reimburse states for the funds used to provide abortions to poor women. This policy decision was influenced by the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe, which, in addition to decriminalizing abortion, was seen as legitimizing the status of abortion as a medical procedure for the purposes of the Medicaid program. 

  
  

  Since Roe, Congress has attached abortion funding restrictions to several other appropriations bills. Although the Foreign Assistance Act of 1973 included the first of such restrictions,189 the greatest focus has arguably been on the Hyde Amendment, which generally restricts Medicaid abortions under the annual appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).190 

  
  

  Since its initial introduction in 1976, the Hyde Amendment has sometimes been reworded to include exceptions for pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest, or abortions that are sought to prevent long-lasting physical health damage to the mother. Until the early 1990s, however, the language was generally identical to the original enactment, allowing only an exception to preserve the life of the mother.191 In 1993, during the first year of the Clinton Administration, coverage under the Hyde Amendment was expanded to again include cases of rape and incest.192 Efforts to restore the original language (providing only for the life of the woman exception) failed in the 104th Congress. 

  
  

  Beginning in 1978, Hyde-type abortion limitations were added to the Department of Defense appropriations measures. 193 This recurring prohibition was eventually codified and made permanent by the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985. 194 

  
  

  In 1983, the Hyde Amendment process was extended to the Department of the Treasury and Postal Service Appropriations Act, prohibiting the use of funds for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to pay for abortions, except when the life of the woman was in danger.195 Prior to this restriction, federal government health insurance plans provided coverage for both therapeutic and nontherapeutic abortions. 

  
  

  The restriction on FEHBP funds followed an administrative attempt by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to eliminate nonlife-saving abortion coverage. OPM’s actions were challenged by federal employee unions, and a federal district court later concluded that the agency acted outside the scope of its authority. In American Federation of Government Employees v. AFL-CIO, the court found that absent a specific congressional statutory directive, there was no basis for OPM’s actions.

  
  

  The restriction on FEHBP funds was removed briefly in 1993, before being reinstated by the 104th Congress. That Congress passed language prohibiting the use of FEHBP funds for abortions, except in cases where the life of the mother would be endangered or in cases of rape or incest.197 

  
  

  Under Department of Justice appropriations, funding of abortions in prisons is prohibited, except where the life of the mother is endangered, or in cases of rape or incest. First enacted as part of the FY1987 continuing appropriations measure,198 this provision has been reenacted as part of the annual spending bill in each subsequent fiscal year.199 

  
  

  Finally, since 1979, restrictive abortion provisions have been included in appropriations measures for the District of Columbia (DC). The passage of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1989, marked the first successful attempt to extend such restrictions to the use of DC funds, as well as federal funds.200 Under the so-called “Dornan Amendment,” DC was prohibited from using both appropriated funds and local funds to pay for abortions. In 2009, Congress lifted the restriction on the use of DC funds to pay for abortions. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, only federal funds were restricted. 201 The Dornan Amendment has since been reimposed. 

  
  

  The House of Representatives took action on protecting women’s access to contraception.  H.R. 8373, the Right to Contraception Act was introduced on July 14, 2022, by Congresswoman Kathy Manning (D-NC-6).  This bill sets out statutory protections for an individual's right to access and a health care provider's right to provide contraception and related information. Contraception refers to an action taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptives (i.e., a device or medication used to prevent pregnancy), fertility-awareness-based methods, and sterilization procedures.

   

  Generally, the bill prohibits measures that single out and impede access to contraception and related information. However, a party may defend against a claim that a measure violates the bill's prohibitions by demonstrating, through clear and convincing evidence, that the measure significantly advances access to contraception and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means.

  The Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to enforce this bill, and states are not immune from suits for violations.

  The House passed H.R. 8373 - Right to Contraception Act on July 21, 2022, by a vote of 228 - 195, 2 Present.  Only 8 Republicans voted with the Democrats on the final pass of H.R. 8373 – Reps. Cheney, Fitzpatrick, Upton, Mace, Katko, Gonzalez, Kinzinger and Salzar. The bill was received in the Senate on July 21, 2022.  

  On July 27th, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sought unanimous consent to pass the Right to Contraception Act to protect every American’s fundamental right to use birth control—but Republican Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) blocked the legislation. 

  Courthouse News: Senate Republicans block bill that would federally enshrine right to contraception 

   

  US Senator Ed Markey Press Release: SENATE REPUBLICANS BLOCK SENATOR MARKEY’S RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION ACT 

  
  

  Congressional Overrides of Supreme Court Statutory Interpretation Decisions, 1967-2011 Matthew R. Christiansen* & William N. Eskridge, Jr.*

  
  

  The Hill.com: Five times Congress overrode the Supreme Court John Kruzel, Staff Writer  

  
  

  ACLU – 15-week abortion ban in Florida take affects on July 1st state constitutions can protect the right to an abortion.

  
  

  National ban on abortion – expand access to abortion

  Plessy v Ferguson – separate but equal

  Brown v Board of Education – segregation of education

  
  

  
  

  Peacefully protest, vote, donate

  
  

  Emily’s List – elects pro-choice women candidates 

  
  

  
  

  SCOTUS Opinion 

  
  

  Vox.com: The Supreme Court overturned Roe. What happens next? 

  
  

  Vox.com:  The Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade 

  
  

  LA Times:  The woman who brought down Roe vs. Wade 

  
  

  Planned Parenthood:  Roe v. Wade Overturned: Supreme Court Gives States the Right to Outlaw Abortion 

  
  

  NY Times:  Live Updates: Ending Constitutional Right to Abortion, Supreme Court Reshapes U.S. Politics  

  
  

  POLITICO Playbook PM: A fractured Supreme Court upends American politics- POLITICO

  
  

  NBCDC Abortion Laws in DC, Maryland, Virginia: What Happens After Roe v. Wade Ruling

  
  

  The Hill.com:  Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade  

  
  

  
  

  ]]>3a9d00dd-207e-4726-948f-769a34ec4b29Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -040031:43falsefull11111CRYSTAL ELLERBETRAILER FOR TOPLESS GOVERNMENTWelcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics

  for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know

  how YOUR government works. Originally, I was working on launching the show sometime in

  July, however, on Friday when the news broke that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

  Wade, I decided now I should start my show and begin conveying my knowledge of government

  and politics so others can be better informed. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get

  started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty

  in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House of Representatives. I’ve had the

  privilege of working in state and local government, corporate America and several lobbying firms

  here in Washington, DC. So tune in next week to Topless Government

  ]]>Welcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics

  for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know

  how YOUR government works. Originally, I was working on launching the show sometime in

  July, however, on Friday when the news broke that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

  Wade, I decided now I should start my show and begin conveying my knowledge of government

  and politics so others can be better informed. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get

  started.

  I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty

  in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House of Representatives. I’ve had the

  privilege of working in state and local government, corporate America and several lobbying firms

  here in Washington, DC. So tune in next week to Topless Government

  ]]>64166551-fdbc-41b2-9487-21b511818625Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -040004:51falsefullCRYSTAL ELLERBE