The Pros and Cons of the Honor Our Living Donors Act
Introduction to Organ Donation As of September 2024, more than 100,000 individuals nationwide were on the waiting list for organ transplants. Despite the fact that over 46,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S. last year, thousands of Americans still die annually waiting for a new organ. While some believe financial incentives for living donors […]
Pros and Cons of the SUPPORT Act of 2018
Background The opioid epidemic has emerged as a major public health issue in the United States. Beginning with a surge in opioid prescription in the 1990s and followed by waves of addiction to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, the crisis has grown and morphed since its inception. Since 1999, there have been more than 600,000 […]
U.S. Response to the Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia: Key Actions and Implications
Introduction The Tigray War in Ethiopia demonstrates a complex and multifaceted conflict with various historical, political, and regional dimensions. Bordering Eritrea, Tigray is Ethiopia’s northernmost region and is home to an estimated 7 million ethnic Tigrayans. The region was governed by the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a leftist and ethnic national political party that […]
Understanding the Debate on Presidential Immunity
Presidential Immunity: History and Background Presidential immunity is the long-standing idea that the president of the United States has exemption from liability or legal proceedings for acts related to the duties of presidential office. Contrary to popular belief, presidential immunity is not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution; only sitting members of Congress are explicitly granted […]
Key Trump Administration Cabinet Picks
What is the Presidential Cabinet? The President’s Cabinet serves as an advisory board for the President. It is made up of the heads of the 15 executive departments. These members are appointed by the President and must be approved by the Senate by a majority vote to confirm the nomination. Trump is currently in the […]
Medicare-For-All Act 2023: Pros and Cons
Introduction Today, health insurance in America is decentralized. Private insurance companies—composed of employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) and the non-group market—make up 54.8% of health insurance coverage nationwide, while government-issued programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover 35.9% of the population. Private health insurance options operate as follows: Still, 7.9% of Americans, or roughly 26 million people, […]
Failures and Successes of the BRICS Alliance
Background Officially founded in 2009, BRICS is an informal, multilateral economic alliance between Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The acronym “BRIC” (later adapted to include South Africa) was originally coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in a 2001 paper wherein he highlighted the potential for […]
What is the Department of Government Efficiency?
President-Elect Donald Trump recently began announcing his presidential cabinet nominations, tapping Congresspeople, former Republican presidential nominees, and close allies. As the leader of the executive branch, the President must appoint about 4,000 officials, including the members of his cabinet, who serve as heads of executive departments. Some cabinet positions, including UN Ambassador, require confirmation by […]
The “Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act” of 2024: Key Insights and Implications
The “Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act” of 2024 is stirring significant debate as it seeks to protect crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) by allowing them to receive federal funding. Proponents argue that CPCs provide essential services, from pregnancy tests to emotional support, at little to no cost, enhancing access for pregnant individuals. However, critics raise serious concerns about the misleading information often provided by these centers and the potential misuse of federal funds. As this legislation unfolds, its implications could reshape the landscape of reproductive health services across the nation. Discover the key insights and arguments surrounding this pivotal Act.
Pros and Cons of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act
The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 introduced the crucial 988 dialing code, aiming to transform how individuals in crisis access mental health support. Proponents argue that this three-digit number simplifies the process of seeking help, potentially saving lives by ensuring timely assistance. However, critics raise concerns about uneven state responses, resource constraints, and low public awareness, which could undermine the hotline’s effectiveness. As we explore the pros and cons of this significant legislation, we uncover the challenges and opportunities it presents in the fight against rising suicide rates and mental health crises.