Politics

Qatari Oil: A Microcosm of the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict

By Jacob Imber Last week, Israeli officials confirmed a groundbreaking deal to funnel Qatari oil into the Gaza Strip for a six month trial period. This arrangement is intended to improve the quality of life for Arab refugees living in Gaza who rarely have access to consistent electricity. In the past, these types of agreementsContinue reading “Qatari Oil: A Microcosm of the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict”

Perspectives on Speaker Paul Ryan’s Retirement

By Kelly Wert Last Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that he will not run for reelection and will retire from the House of Representatives in January 2019. After reluctantly accepting the job after John Boehner stepped down in 2015, Ryan announced that though he was satisfied with what he has accomplished and is readyContinue reading “Perspectives on Speaker Paul Ryan’s Retirement”

Ryan Announces Retirement, Spurs Leadership Contest

By Jack Brownfield Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced this Wednesday that he will not run for reelection in November, sparking a competition among Republicans for the House leadership and, depending on how the midterm elections play out, the role of Speaker. Ryan said he believes that he has “done [his] part…to setContinue reading “Ryan Announces Retirement, Spurs Leadership Contest”

Taiwan Bill Receives Unanimous Bipartisan Support and Chinese Condemnation

On March 16, 2018, President Trump signed H.R.535, the “Taiwan Travel Act” into law, after the bill passed the House of Representatives by a voice-vote and the Senate with unanimous consent. The legislation was authored by Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH), and it allows and encourages the US government to send officials to Taiwan to meetContinue reading “Taiwan Bill Receives Unanimous Bipartisan Support and Chinese Condemnation”

Omnibus Spending Bill

by Lindsay Tausch On Thursday, March 22, the House of Representatives passed a $1.3 trillion bipartisan spending bill that will fund the federal government until the end of fiscal year 2018, which runs from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The massive “omnibus” package combines several appropriations bills, which Congress would ordinarily pass individuallyContinue reading “Omnibus Spending Bill”

Senate Passes Banking Reform Bill with Bipartisan Support

On March 14th, the US Senate passed the “Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act” by a vote of 67 for and 31 against to reform the Dodd-Frank banking bill of 2010. Twelve Democrats and one independent joined the Republican majority to pass the bill. Sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID),Continue reading “Senate Passes Banking Reform Bill with Bipartisan Support”

The Bipartisan Future of Space Exploration

by Lindsay Tausch Four months away from the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing, the United States has reason for renewed hope in the future of human space exploration. The commercial space sector is thriving; in early February, SpaceX launched Falcon Heavy, a rocket designed with an eye toward founder Elon Musk’s long-term goalContinue reading “The Bipartisan Future of Space Exploration”

Kasich Tries for Gun Reform in Ohio

By Jack Brownfield Ohio Governor John Kasich has proposed a series of new gun control measures that he calls common sense in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. “We want to make sure that we can bring greater safety to the state, but at the same time not frightening people who believeContinue reading “Kasich Tries for Gun Reform in Ohio”