unitymatters

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010 with the goal of making healthcare more accessible. Many subsidies under the ACA are set to expire by the end of 2025. Those in favor of letting the subsidies expire claim tightening Medicaid eligibility will lessen federal spending while those against the cuts point out the expiration will reverse the progress in lowering the rate of the uninsured. Should lawmakers extend federal assistance or restore “fiscal discipline”?

The Consumer Safety Technology Act (H.R. 1770/CSTA) is a bill that will create a pilot AI program to regulate financial actions and blockchain technology with less human oversight. Supporters argue that any deficit in the financial arena can be spotted more quickly with AI. Those against the bill reason it can cause potential data leaks and allow too much government oversight in the private sector. Does the possible passing of this bill allow for too much federal government regulation in the private sector?

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) created environmental protections in areas of government and most private developments. Some advocate for rolling back CEQA to decrease housing costs. Others argue the roll back undermines California’s position as a climate leader and worsen water quality and pollution conditions. Is affordable housing worth worsening environmental conditions? Should CEQA’s roll back wording be updated to best protect California’s environment?

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) prohibits the U.S. government from spying on Americans without a warrant. Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act allows the government to monitor foreign communications. Supporters argue it allows American agencies to stop foreign threats. Those against 702 point out that the FBI is able to monitor foreign conversations happening with Americans. Should Section 702 continue to be renewed despite the possibility of the section allowing collection of American’s data without a warrant?

The Richardson Waiver which prohibited regulatory decisions being made without sufficient public input with the Department of Health and Human Services was repealed back in February by RFK Jr. Critics claim these changes enable the department to make drastic changes to Medicaid that would negatively impact many Americans. Others argue that this change allows faster implementation of necessary policies. Is public participation always necessary in policymaking?

The Richardson Waiver which prohibited regulatory decisions being made without sufficient public input with the Department of Health and Human Services was repealed back in February by RFK Jr. Critics claim these changes enable the department to make drastic changes to Medicaid that would negatively impact many Americans. Others argue that this change allows faster implementation of necessary policies. Is public participation always necessary in policymaking?

What do clashes like this tell us about the balance between public safety, local autonomy, and executive power in the U.S.?

"In August of 2025, President Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, declaring a ‘public safety emergency’ in Washington, D.C after citing rampant crime. Under this order, he could place the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control for 30 days.  Between August 11 and September 10, over 2,000 National Guard troops were deployed alongside local forces to patrol the streets. During this time, over 40% of the arrests made in D.C. were immigration-related."