Introduction to US Relations with Estonia
Estonia, a small country at the northern end of the Baltic states, has received increased focus from Western media in light of the deepening divide between the West and Russia in Eastern Europe—exemplified by the war in Ukraine. Estonia, a NATO ally of the United States and member of the European Union, spent the Cold […]
US-Brazil Relations Post-2022 Brazilian Presidential Election
Brazil Before the Election, 2022 Presidential Election Results, & Aftermath From 2019 to 2022, Brazil was led by the popular conservative, President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro publicly questioned Brazilian governmental institutions and drew upon religious and cultural identities in a way that many have criticized as weakening democracy in the country. Brazil’s foreign policy was also […]
The Health Care Debate for Undocumented Immigrants: What You Need to Know
What types of health insurance do immigrants currently qualify for? Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible for federal healthcare programs due to immigration status regulations and public charge rules. Additionally, even immigrants who are “lawfully present” face barriers to accessing federal healthcare programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which are state-administered […]
The Medicaid Reentry Act Debate: The Pros and Cons of Healthcare Services for Returning Citizens
What is the Medicaid Reentry Act? The Medicaid Reentry Act is a proposed amendment to Medicaid law, designed to enhance healthcare access for incarcerated individuals, especially during their transition back into society. This legislation addresses healthcare disparities and improves health outcomes for a population often facing socioeconomic vulnerability. For example, despite approximately 58% of incarcerated […]
Understanding the SHIELD Act of 2023: Definitions, Impacts, and Legal Debates
What is nonconsensual pornography? Nonconsensual pornography, image-based sexual abuse, or as it is most commonly called, revenge porn, are all terms that refer to the nonconsensual distribution of sexually explicit imagery. Advocates often argue that the term “revenge porn” implies victim shaming, and therefore they prefer to use the term “nonconsensual pornography” exclusively. While one […]
The Pros and Cons of Plea Bargaining: An Overview Analysis
Plea bargains have become the primary resolution for many criminal cases in the court system, with 95% of federal criminal cases currently resulting in a plea deal. These agreements are made between the prosecutor and the defendant, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to the charges, thus avoiding a trial. In return, defendants typically […]
Pros and Cons of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act
Introduction Genetic counseling is a service where a patient’s personal and family medical history are reviewed to assess the risk for genetic disorders and other diseases. The service is typically provided by genetic counselors but can also be done by other medical professionals like a patient’s physician. Currently, Medicare does not reimburse genetic counselors, which […]
The impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? The ADA, passed in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, ensures equal opportunities and access for people with disabilities. It defines disability as an impairment that significantly limits a “major life activity,” such as breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, sleeping, self-care, manual tasks, and working. Individuals qualify for […]
Understanding the Electoral College Debate
Background During American presidential elections, news coverage focuses on the “270 to win” count rather than the actual majority of individual votes that candidates receive. This is due to the fact that presidential elections are decided by a system called the Electoral College, in which a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. […]
Pros and Cons of TX SB1933
Introduction Since 2022, legislatures nationwide have been passing legislation to secure election processes. In 2023, eleven states passed voting laws that make voting more restrictive to ensure the integrity of the election process. One of these laws is Texas’s Senate Bill 1933. The 2023 bill allows the Secretary of State to control an election within […]