- Social:
The Federalist
Senior editor at The Federalist, a web magazine that covers politics, policy and culture from a conservative perspective
PROFILE
David Harsanyi
Guest
FROM David Harsanyi
To the Point
Divided Republicans and the Politics of Abortion There won't be a government shutdown this week, but there may only have been a postponement — as the fight continues over Planned Parenthood . At a hearing today, the group's president said, " Deceptively edited videos " are being used to support "outrageous accusations" about abortion and fetal tissue. Republicans insisted the organization does "bad things" with federal money, while Democrats renewed their charge of a "war against women." With GOP leaders under siege in both houses, the business of government could again become hostage to politics — possibly before the end of this year.
To the Point
How Likely Is Another Government Shutdown? Congress has roughly 10 working days until the deadline to pass a budget — with time out for Jewish holidays and a speech by the Pope. The Iran nuclear deal, the Export-Import bank, the Highway Trust Fund, the debt limit and military spending are all waiting for action. But a single issue may get in the way, with tea party Republicans defying their own leaders unless Planned Parenthood is de-funded. If betting on politics was legal, the Washington Post says it would tell readers to, "Put some money on the government shutting down on October 1."
Recommended
The 805
A call to prepare for the next natural disaster A local environmentalist says we should spend more time and money preparing for natural disasters than responding to them. A Ventura resident who lost his home in the Thomas Fire says rebuilding is taking longer than he’d hoped. Local animal shelters are becoming critical evacuation centers. And California counties must now hold public meetings on their relationship with federal immigration agents.
The Mixer
Repainting the Sheriff's department, tan and green Barring any unforeseen changes, there will be a new L.A. County Sheriff at the start of next week. Alex Villanueva defeated sitting Sheriff, Jim McDonnell, in this month’s midterms after running a partisan campaign that lead to the first ouster of a sitting Sheriff in more than a century. Villanueva told KCRW this week that his goal is to rid the department of officials that, he said, contributed to a corrupt culture under previous leadership. But there is a lot of concern about what that will look like and if recent reforms could be rolled back.