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Congress in Context

Congress in Context

Written by: Congress In Context
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🎙️ Congress in Context: Accountability, Unpacked

Congress in Context is your essential podcast for a clear, unbiased look at the daily happenings in the U.S. Congress. We break down what your elected officials are actually doing.

Using the Congressional Record as our foundation, we analyze key votes, debates, and legislative actions, cutting through political spin to reveal the truth. With the power of AI, we investigate complex policies, decode legal jargon, and explain crucial decisions in plain, easy-to-understand language.

  • Are lawmakers keeping their promises and working for the people?
  • Or are they serving their own interests or party agendas?

We hold them accountable, so you stay informed.

🎧 Where to Find All New Episodes

All new episodes are sourced from RSS.com and are available on every major podcast platform, including:

  • YouTube
  • Spotify
  • Apple Music
  • Podcast Addict
  • and many more!

Congressional Records can be found here

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Chris Thomas
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Senate Blocks Funding Over Minneapolis Killings
    Feb 1 2026

    This podcast provides an in-depth look at the January 29, 2026, Senate proceedings, centering on the intense battle over federal funding and the critical demand for ICE accountability following the tragic killings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good. You will hear details on the "Working Families Tax Cut," which aims to support parents through the expansion of 529 savings plans and the creation of tax-advantaged "Trump Accounts" designed to foster long-term prosperity for future generations. The episode also features heated debates on the reliability of baseload energy sources during severe winter storms, sharp critiques of FEMA disaster relief delays in North Carolina, and a fiscal crusade to eliminate billions of dollars in "earmarks" from the national budget. Covering everything from School Choice Week to the solemn one-year anniversary of the Potomac River flight collision, this program explores the complex legislative and moral challenges currently defining the 119th Congress.

    Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

    January 29, 2026

    https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

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    14 mins
  • Splitting the 2026 Budget to Defund DHS
    Feb 1 2026

    This podcast offers an immersive look into the January 28, 2026, Senate session, where lawmakers grapple with a nation at a political and constitutional crossroads. We dive deep into the heated debate over the Working Families Tax Cuts, which Majority Leader Thune and Senator Barrasso champion as a $100 billion victory for middle-class prosperity, contrasting it with the urgent demands for DHS accountability voiced by Minority Leader Schumer and several Democratic colleagues. The episode captures the raw intensity of the floor speeches following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, highlighting a stark divide: while some senators warn of "authoritarian overreach" and a "lawless" use of federal power by ICE, others defend the administration’s commitment to border security and criticize local "sanctuary" policies for fostering chaos. Interspersed with these high-stakes clashes are poignant moments of reflection, including tributes for Holocaust Remembrance Day, honors for retiring legislative staff, and a solemn commemoration of the Flight 5342 aviation tragedy. Join us for a definitive account of the voices and values currently shaping the United States Senate.

    Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

    January 28, 2026

    https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

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    14 mins
  • Immigration, Abortion, and a Rodeo Clown
    Jan 31 2026

    his podcast episode explores the high-stakes legislative activity of January 27, 2026, as Congress grapples with looming funding deadlines and civil unrest. While the House of Representatives held a brief session to formally present a consolidated appropriations bill to the President, the Senate was marked by intense debate following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, prompting Democratic Leader Schumer to demand a complete overhaul of ICE. The session further highlighted deep partisan divides as the Senate failed to advance the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, with critics arguing the bill intentionally excluded information on the full range of reproductive healthcare options. Amidst these conflicts, lawmakers also discussed the beginning of the tax filing season under the Working Families Tax Cut Act and introduced new initiatives like the Produce Prescriptions for Veterans Act to support service members with chronic health conditions. These proceedings underscore a critical week in Washington as leaders struggle to avoid a government shutdown while navigating sensitive issues related to law enforcement and the March for Life movement.

    Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

    January 27, 2026

    https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

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    18 mins
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