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Politics/Government / Re: Political Graphics 2025
« Last post by Slide Rule on Today at 07:29:15 am »
Recent Posts
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Politics/Government / Wind, Solar, and Washington’s Wasteful Subsidies
« Last post by Elderberry on Today at 07:00:57 am »Economic Policy Innovation Center by Sarah Wagoner July 1, 2025
The Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has made two green energy tax credits more problematic. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded existing energy tax credits at a projected cost of nearly $2 trillion. As the reconciliation window closes, Congress has a critical opportunity to repeal the IRA’s expansion, lock in necessary savings, and promote pro-growth policies.
Senate Revisions to the House’s IRA Repeal
Under the IRA, most of the green energy tax credits were set to fully phase out between 2032 and the point at which greenhouse gases dropped to 25% below 2022 levels. In the bill that passed the House, conservatives secured earlier an earlier phase-out deadline for most credits and a requirement that projects seeking to qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Production Tax Credit (PTC) must begin construction within 60 days of enactment and be placed in service before December 31, 2028.
The ITC and PTC have primarily been used by wind and solar developers and, since beginning construction within 60 days is a difficult task, these two forms of energy production would have been the most impacted by the new requirement.
In contrast, the Senate-passed version of the OBBB undermines these safeguards. The Senate bill includes a 2027 placed-in-service deadline for wind and solar projects seeking to qualify for the ITC and PTC; however, there is an exemption.
More: https://epicforamerica.org/federal-budget/wind-solar-and-washingtons-wasteful-subsidies/
The Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has made two green energy tax credits more problematic. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded existing energy tax credits at a projected cost of nearly $2 trillion. As the reconciliation window closes, Congress has a critical opportunity to repeal the IRA’s expansion, lock in necessary savings, and promote pro-growth policies.
Senate Revisions to the House’s IRA Repeal
Under the IRA, most of the green energy tax credits were set to fully phase out between 2032 and the point at which greenhouse gases dropped to 25% below 2022 levels. In the bill that passed the House, conservatives secured earlier an earlier phase-out deadline for most credits and a requirement that projects seeking to qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Production Tax Credit (PTC) must begin construction within 60 days of enactment and be placed in service before December 31, 2028.
The ITC and PTC have primarily been used by wind and solar developers and, since beginning construction within 60 days is a difficult task, these two forms of energy production would have been the most impacted by the new requirement.
In contrast, the Senate-passed version of the OBBB undermines these safeguards. The Senate bill includes a 2027 placed-in-service deadline for wind and solar projects seeking to qualify for the ITC and PTC; however, there is an exemption.
More: https://epicforamerica.org/federal-budget/wind-solar-and-washingtons-wasteful-subsidies/
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National/Breaking News / National Health Care Fraud-324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Fraud
« Last post by Elderberry on Today at 06:45:49 am »Popular Rationalism by James Lyons-Weiler 6/30/2025
National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud
A 50-district dragnet uncovers transnational fraud, AI-driven deception, and systemic theft from Medicare, Medicaid, and U.S. taxpayers totaling over $14.6 billion.
The Department of Justice today announced the outcome of the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, the largest coordinated enforcement action against health care fraud in U.S. history. Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against 324 individuals across 50 federal judicial districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices, including 96 licensed medical professionals—among them doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists. The defendants stand accused of orchestrating fraudulent schemes amounting to more than $14.6 billion in intended losses to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs.
This historic enforcement action more than doubles the previous national record of $6 billion. As part of this effort, federal and state authorities have seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other high-value assets. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) separately reported that it successfully prevented more than $4 billion in fraudulent payments in the months leading up to the Takedown. CMS also confirmed that it suspended or revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers linked to fraudulent activity. In the civil domain, federal agencies filed actions against 20 defendants tied to $14.2 million in alleged fraud and finalized civil settlements with an additional 106 defendants, totaling $34.3 million in recovered funds.
The Takedown was led by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the DOJ Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and carried out in close coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and multiple state law enforcement agencies. Medicaid Fraud Control Units in 18 states also played a central role in investigating and prosecuting the cases.
In remarks accompanying the announcement, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that the agency would aggressively work with law enforcement to eliminate the “pervasive health care fraud that drove up costs and harmed patients under the former administration.” Attorney General Pamela Bondi echoed the urgency, calling the action “justice delivered to those who steal from taxpayers and endanger lives.” Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, underscored the gravity of the crimes targeted, noting that fraudulent schemes often lead not only to financial losses but also to direct patient harm, including medically unnecessary procedures and worsened addiction outcomes.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that this Takedown represents the largest in the bureau’s history, highlighting the theft of more than $13 billion from federal health programs. Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG described the scale of harm as unprecedented and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the public.
More: https://popularrationalism.substack.com/p/breaking-national-health-care-fraud?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=475124&post_id=167224258&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=cjt3t&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud
A 50-district dragnet uncovers transnational fraud, AI-driven deception, and systemic theft from Medicare, Medicaid, and U.S. taxpayers totaling over $14.6 billion.
The Department of Justice today announced the outcome of the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, the largest coordinated enforcement action against health care fraud in U.S. history. Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against 324 individuals across 50 federal judicial districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices, including 96 licensed medical professionals—among them doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists. The defendants stand accused of orchestrating fraudulent schemes amounting to more than $14.6 billion in intended losses to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs.
This historic enforcement action more than doubles the previous national record of $6 billion. As part of this effort, federal and state authorities have seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other high-value assets. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) separately reported that it successfully prevented more than $4 billion in fraudulent payments in the months leading up to the Takedown. CMS also confirmed that it suspended or revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers linked to fraudulent activity. In the civil domain, federal agencies filed actions against 20 defendants tied to $14.2 million in alleged fraud and finalized civil settlements with an additional 106 defendants, totaling $34.3 million in recovered funds.
The Takedown was led by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the DOJ Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and carried out in close coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and multiple state law enforcement agencies. Medicaid Fraud Control Units in 18 states also played a central role in investigating and prosecuting the cases.
In remarks accompanying the announcement, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that the agency would aggressively work with law enforcement to eliminate the “pervasive health care fraud that drove up costs and harmed patients under the former administration.” Attorney General Pamela Bondi echoed the urgency, calling the action “justice delivered to those who steal from taxpayers and endanger lives.” Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, underscored the gravity of the crimes targeted, noting that fraudulent schemes often lead not only to financial losses but also to direct patient harm, including medically unnecessary procedures and worsened addiction outcomes.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that this Takedown represents the largest in the bureau’s history, highlighting the theft of more than $13 billion from federal health programs. Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG described the scale of harm as unprecedented and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the public.
More: https://popularrationalism.substack.com/p/breaking-national-health-care-fraud?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=475124&post_id=167224258&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=cjt3t&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
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Computers / Re: Debunking the Greatest Privacy Myth (My title "Nothing to Hide")
« Last post by Free Vulcan on Today at 06:44:45 am »My retort is if I have nothing to hide then why do you need to look, and what are you looking for?
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Immigration/ICE/Border / 10,300 Indian illegal immigrants caught at US border in 2025. That's a 70% dip
« Last post by rangerrebew on Today at 06:40:49 am »10,300 Indian illegal immigrants caught at US border in 2025. That's a 70% dip
Over 10,300 Indian nationals, including 30 unaccompanied minors, were caught entering the US illegally between January and May 2025. This marks a 70% drop from last year, attributed to tougher immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. Overall, nearly 6 lakh illegal immigrants have been apprehended at the US border so far this year.
This large dip comes after the Trump administration deported many illegal immigrants, including Indians, back to their countries. (Image: File)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 2, 2025 14:25 IST
Written By: Gaurav Kumar
There has been a 70% decline in Indians attempting to illegally enter the US between January and May 2025, with 10,382 Indian nationals, primarily from Gujarat, arrested during this period, seeking to enter the United States. This also included 30 unaccompanied minors.
The development comes amid tighter border controls and raids on illegal immigrants under President Donald Trump.
The data was released by US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP).
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/indian-illegal-immigrants-caught-at-us-border-2025-70-dip-cbp-data-trump-gujarat-unaccompanied-minors-2749419-2025-07-02
Over 10,300 Indian nationals, including 30 unaccompanied minors, were caught entering the US illegally between January and May 2025. This marks a 70% drop from last year, attributed to tougher immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. Overall, nearly 6 lakh illegal immigrants have been apprehended at the US border so far this year.
This large dip comes after the Trump administration deported many illegal immigrants, including Indians, back to their countries. (Image: File)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 2, 2025 14:25 IST
Written By: Gaurav Kumar
There has been a 70% decline in Indians attempting to illegally enter the US between January and May 2025, with 10,382 Indian nationals, primarily from Gujarat, arrested during this period, seeking to enter the United States. This also included 30 unaccompanied minors.
The development comes amid tighter border controls and raids on illegal immigrants under President Donald Trump.
The data was released by US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP).
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/indian-illegal-immigrants-caught-at-us-border-2025-70-dip-cbp-data-trump-gujarat-unaccompanied-minors-2749419-2025-07-02
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Immigration/ICE/Border / 40 truckers lose US commercial licenses due to lack of English proficiency
« Last post by rangerrebew on Today at 06:36:18 am »40 truckers lose US commercial licenses due to lack of English proficiency
by: Salvador Rivera
Posted: Jul 1, 2025 / 05:41 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 1, 2025 / 05:41 PM CDT
SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Forty Mexican truckers have lost privileges to drive on U.S. highways due to their lack of English skills, industry officials say.
Back in April, President Trump issued an executive order enforcing an existing law that mandates all truck drivers know enough English to read road signs and interact with law enforcement north of the border.
Mexican truck drivers in a hurry to learn English
The order officially went into effect June 26.
Israel Delgado Vallejo, vice president of the Northwest Chapter of the Chamber of Freight Transportation, said the drivers taken out of service were driving through Texas, Mississippi or Arkansas.
https://www.borderreport.com/news/trade/40-truckers-lose-us-commercial-licenses-due-to-lack-of-english-proficiency/
by: Salvador Rivera
Posted: Jul 1, 2025 / 05:41 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 1, 2025 / 05:41 PM CDT
SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Forty Mexican truckers have lost privileges to drive on U.S. highways due to their lack of English skills, industry officials say.
Back in April, President Trump issued an executive order enforcing an existing law that mandates all truck drivers know enough English to read road signs and interact with law enforcement north of the border.
Mexican truck drivers in a hurry to learn English
The order officially went into effect June 26.
Israel Delgado Vallejo, vice president of the Northwest Chapter of the Chamber of Freight Transportation, said the drivers taken out of service were driving through Texas, Mississippi or Arkansas.
https://www.borderreport.com/news/trade/40-truckers-lose-us-commercial-licenses-due-to-lack-of-english-proficiency/
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Pookie's Toons / Re: Today's Toons 7/2/25
« Last post by Jimino on Today at 06:32:15 am »Ciao Pookie, thanks for the toons!
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Military/Defense News / Army ‘considering terminating’ General Dynamics’ oversight of new 155mm production lines
« Last post by Timber Rattler on Today at 06:31:48 am »https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/army-considering-terminating-general-dynamics-oversight-of-new-155mm-production-lines/
EXCERPT
This is what happens when you have too much defense industry consolidation.
Quote
The US Army is considering scrapping General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) management of three new 155mm artillery round production lines in Mesquite, Texas, according to a “show cause” letter obtained by Breaking Defense.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the heavy use of artillery, the Army rushed to bolster 155mm production and produce 100,000 shells per month. As part of that broader push, it opened a new government-owned facility in Texas, tapping GD-OTS to operate it and stand up three Universal Artillery Projectile Lines (UAPL) to produce the metal parts for artillery projectiles, including the shell casings.
That work, though, has not gone smoothly, and the service is now “considering terminating” the GD deals for all three UPLA lines, according to a June 13 letter from Army Contracting Command (ACC) to the company.
EXCERPT
This is what happens when you have too much defense industry consolidation.
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Immigration/ICE/Border / Re: Unions Demand Free Rent for Illegal Aliens
« Last post by rangerrebew on Today at 06:30:18 am »Is "climate change" increasing the lunacy of the left? 
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Immigration/ICE/Border / Unions Demand Free Rent for Illegal Aliens
« Last post by rangerrebew on Today at 06:29:30 am »Unions Demand Free Rent for Illegal Aliens
Jul 1, 2025 | ALTERNATIVE NEWS
The pro-illegal labor union SEIU confirmed its malevolence by helping Barack Obama to power. Now it confirms it again by calling upon their fellow moonbats running Los Angeles to declare a rent moratorium so that illegal aliens can live for free at American expense:
On Tuesday, representatives of the Los Angeles Tenants Union held a press conference with the Coalition of Labor Union Employees and the SEIU to demand the rent moratorium.
“We know that many tenants will not be able to pay their rent come July 1,” said Kenia Alcocer of LATU, who said she is also an illegal alien.
The argument is that illegal aliens cannot be expected to pay their rent because they are hiding from ICE agents, whose job is to kick them out of our country. These agents should start with Alcocer.
https://www.hopegirlblog.com/2025/07/01/unions-demand-free-rent-for-illegal-aliens/
Jul 1, 2025 | ALTERNATIVE NEWS
The pro-illegal labor union SEIU confirmed its malevolence by helping Barack Obama to power. Now it confirms it again by calling upon their fellow moonbats running Los Angeles to declare a rent moratorium so that illegal aliens can live for free at American expense:
On Tuesday, representatives of the Los Angeles Tenants Union held a press conference with the Coalition of Labor Union Employees and the SEIU to demand the rent moratorium.
“We know that many tenants will not be able to pay their rent come July 1,” said Kenia Alcocer of LATU, who said she is also an illegal alien.
The argument is that illegal aliens cannot be expected to pay their rent because they are hiding from ICE agents, whose job is to kick them out of our country. These agents should start with Alcocer.
https://www.hopegirlblog.com/2025/07/01/unions-demand-free-rent-for-illegal-aliens/
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