Pew Research: What Americans Think About the GOP’s Budget and Tax Bill
Americans are largely skeptical of the GOP’s sweeping budget and tax legislation — the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — currently under Senate consideration after passing the House in May. The bill is a top priority for President Trump, but the public response is mostly negative.
Origin Stories: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
In the 1970s, America had a corruption problem — and it wasn’t just at home.
After Watergate, investigators uncovered something deeper: more than 400 U.S. companies had secretly paid hundreds of millions in bribes to foreign officials.
Pew Research: RFK Jr. Faces More Disapproval Than Support as U.S. Health Secretary
Since taking office in February 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made headlines — and stirred controversy. A new Pew Research Center survey shows that more Americans disapprove (43%) than approve (36%)of how he’s handling his role. Another 21% say they’re not sure, underscoring public uncertainty around his leadership.
Pew Research: Americans’ Concerns About Press Freedom Persist as Partisan Views Flip
Press Freedom Remains a Flashpoint as Partisan Lines Redraw
In an era of deep political polarization, Americans still rally around the idea of press freedom — but a new Pew Research Center survey shows partisan divides over media independence are widening fast.
Remember When: Europe Came Together for Democracy
May 1, 2004: A New Era for Europe.
Twenty-one years ago this week, ten countries — Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia — officially joined the European Union, marking the largest single expansion in the EU’s history.
Pew Research: Americans’ Views on Trade with China, Canada, and Mexico
A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights shifting public opinion on U.S. trade relationships with China, Canada, and Mexico amid new tariffs. Key takeaways include:
Origin Story: The Consumer Protection Agency
The U.S. Consumer Protection Agency exists to defend Americans from unsafe, unfair, and deceptive practices in the marketplace. Its foundations were laid in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy introduced the Consumer Bill of Rights, declaring consumers’ rights to safety, information, choice, and a voice in the system.
Pew Research: Most Americans Support Federal Funding for NPR and PBS
A new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority of Americans continue to support federal funding for NPR and PBS—public media institutions known for news, educational content, and cultural programming.
Pew Research: 119th Congress Breaks Barriers for Women of Color
The 119th Congress, which convened on January 3rd, marks significant strides for women of color in American politics. According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis, this Congress is witnessing several historic firsts.
Pew Research: Partisan Gap Widens in Confidence Toward Federal Civil Servants
A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights a growing partisan gap in how Americans perceive federal career employees. The study, conducted in early 2025, reveals that while 55% of Americans overall express confidence in federal civil servants, political affiliation significantly shapes these views.
Pew Research: Most Americans Oppose Expanding Presidential Powers
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that a majority of Americans oppose expanding presidential powers, though views vary significantly by political affiliation. The study, conducted in early 2025, underscores the ongoing debate over executive authority and constitutional limits.
Origin Stories: USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, consolidating various foreign assistance programs into a single agency. Its mission was to promote international development while advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives, rooted in the belief that America's security and prosperity were linked to the wellbeing of developing nations.
Pew Research: Partisan Divides Persist on U.S. Aid to Ukraine and NATO
Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Americans remain divided on U.S. support for Ukraine, NATO membership, and European defense spending—largely along partisan lines. A new Pew Research Center survey, conducted in February 2025, highlights these divisions, showing shifts in public opinion on key aspects of U.S. foreign policy.
Pew Research: Understanding the Federal Workforce
As discussions around government reform and efficiency intensify, recent data from Pew Research offers valuable insights into the federal workforce—its size, scope, and the public's perception of it. Here are the key takeaways:
Pew Research: New Pew Survey Finds Media's Watchdog Role Remains Valued by Most Americans
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that Americans continue to strongly support the media's role in holding politicians accountable, though views differ significantly along party lines. According to the September 2024 survey, 74% of Americans believe media criticism helps prevent political leaders from engaging in misconduct.