News and Issues

President Trump clashes with House and Senate Democratic leaders Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer over border security and government funding during an Oval Office meeting. As Senator Schumer termed it, 'a temper tantrum'. Rep. Nancy Pelosi referred to the looming government shutdown threatened by President Trump as a 'Holiday present for the American public from the President'. more »

Rose Madeline Mula writes: It’s interesting to note that in some areas men are managing to withstand female infiltration. Doormen are still doormen, for example. I know that I, for one, have yet to see a door woman. Since Joan Rivers’ failed foray into the arena, late-night TV hosts are still male. Since Oprah’s retirement, Ellen DeGeneres still rules the afternoon; but will we ever see a Stephanie Colbert or Jenny Kimmel after dark? Females, on the other hand, unfortunately, seem to have a lock on less prestigious, less lucrative careers. more »

Overall, the findings, just published in the journal Emotion, showed an increase in such positive behaviors as humor and affection and a decrease in negative behaviors such as defensiveness and criticism. The results challenge long-held theories that emotions flatten or deteriorate in old age and point instead to an emotionally positive trajectory for long-term married couples. “Given the links between positive emotion and health, these findings underscore the importance of intimate relationships as people age, and the potential health benefits associated with marriage.” more »

Bills Introduced: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)/Judiciary (11/29/18) — A bill to make it a criminal offense for individuals to engage in sexual acts while acting under color of law or with individuals in their custody, to encourage states to adopt similar laws. A bill to provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses following a mastectomy. A bill to allow the child tax credit with respect to stillbirths. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing, “BOP [Bureau of Prisons] Management of its Female Inmate Population and Other Challenges.” The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, as amended. more »