Biden Touts Healthcare Win, but Opts Out of Oil Reserves

Yesterday's News: April 4th

Estimated Time to Read

5 Minutes, aka just do it…

Remember: This newsletter will not feature random stories just for the sake of filling the page. We will bring you the happenings of the day, but will only feature the most notable through a full comic dialogue.

With Congress in recess, the news cycle has mostly reverted to the tribalistic misinformation campaigns used to disparage all opponents.

As we move forward, the frequency/content of the newsletter may change to include deep dives on certain topics. First up, is the National Debt 😄 .

Why you should share this with someone

The average person does not have time to stay up to date on the political news cycle. People may watch cable news networks like CNN, MSNBC, and FOX - but they will not give you the full two-sided story.

Think about this: Have you ever found yourself saying ‘Oh did you see’ and then repeating a headline?

The headline is most likely something that you scrolled past a few times on social media, and was then cemented by seeing the same headline on the mainstream news.

If the person that you ask this to says yes, and then starts up a conversation, are you prepared to talk about the topic?

The average answer is No, so why did you bring it up?

If you read to this point, try to catch yourself before you bring up a topic that you aren’t prepared to speak on.

But to be more prepared, read and share The Highland Horn.

Let’s Get Into It…

Sanders and Biden Discuss Inflation Reduction Act's Impact on Prescription Drug Costs and Federal Health Subsidies

Summary: Bernie Sanders and President Joe Biden discussed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impact on prescription drug costs for Americans, with a focus on benefits for seniors. Sanders highlighted the issue of high drug prices and detailed provisions of the Act, including caps on insulin costs at $35 for seniors and a $2,000 annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. Biden emphasized the significance of Medicare now being able to negotiate drug prices, a measure expected to reduce healthcare spending and save taxpayer dollars. Both noted the Act's role in addressing the cost of prescription drugs and its anticipated fiscal benefits, including potential savings for taxpayers by mitigating the rise in drug prices. The address covered ongoing efforts to improve healthcare affordability and access in the United States.

(We will be doing a deep dive on the IRA in a future edition…HINT: It impacts the national debt)

Biden Administration Halts Oil Purchase for Strategic Reserve Amid Rising Prices, Sparking Energy Security Concerns

Summary: The Biden administration has halted plans to purchase oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) amid rising prices, following a significant drawdown in 2022 to support Europe during the energy crisis. This decision, made as the SPR is at a 40-year low, raises concerns over U.S. energy security ahead of the high-demand summer season. It reflects the administration's challenge of balancing immediate energy needs, economic considerations, and long-term sustainability goals.

Importance of Strategic Petroleum Reserves:

Strategic Petroleum Reserves are emergency stockpiles of crude oil intended to mitigate the impact of major supply disruptions caused by events like natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, or economic crises. These reserves act as a national security buffer, ensuring that the economy can continue to function by preventing significant spikes in oil prices that could result from sudden supply shortages. They provide a government with a tool to stabilize the market in times of crisis and help protect against the economic and political impacts of energy supply interruptions.

Wisconsin voters approve ban on private money support for elections

Wisconsin voters have passed a constitutional amendment to ban private funding for election administration, a move initiated by Republicans in response to 2020 election grants funded by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg. This decision aligns with broader national debates on election integrity and the influence of private funding in electoral processes. The amendment signifies a significant shift in how elections will be funded and conducted in Wisconsin, amidst concerns over fairness and voter access.

U.S.-Israel Relations at a Crossroads: Biden Criticizes, Yet Continues Support Amid Gaza Crisis

President Joe Biden is scheduled to have a crucial phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid heightened tensions and under the shadow of Netanyahu's controversial military strategies in Gaza. This call, the first since the death of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in an Israeli airstrike, is expected to test the already strained relationship between the two leaders. Despite Biden's public criticism of Israel's actions, the U.S. continues to show unwavering support for Israel, including a proposed sale of F-15 warplanes worth $18 billion. The conversation occurs against a backdrop of domestic pressures in both countries, with political implications for their respective futures.

Until next time

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