Skip to content 7/1/2025 Tony and Guest Dive into Controversial News Topics and Consider the Middle East and Bible Prophecy Jul 2 · 54 min ...more
7/1/2025 Tony and Guest Dive into Controversial News Topics and Consider the Middle East and Bible Prophecy
July 2, 2025 · 54 min
Comparing the House and Senate versions of the Big Beautiful Bill, P.M. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit, the autopen investigation, troubles with transgender treatments, the Middle East and bible prophecy.
Series Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Audio July 2, 2025 · 54 min · Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Audio
Comparing the House and Senate versions of the Big Beautiful Bill, P.M. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit, the autopen investigation, troubles with transgender treatments, the Middle East and bible prophecy. ...more Show the full description Show less Comparing the House and Senate versions of the Big Beautiful Bill, P.M. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit, the autopen investigation, troubles with transgender treatments, the Middle East and bible prophecy.
Series Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Audio Support this leader Liking this video? Support this ministry.
Support this leader
Liking this video? Support this ministry.
Give
Support this leader Liking this video? Support this ministry.
94K followers
Family Research Council is serving in the kingdom of God by championing faith, family, & freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview.
94K followers
Up next Autoplay More from Tony Perkins 11/13/2026 Regardless of Who Appears to Be in Power in Washington, a Christian’s Call to Service Doesn’t Change Tony Perkins
Michael Rubin, Bob Maginnis, Kelly Shackelford, Chris Smith, Arielle Del Turco Tony Perkins
11/12/2026 The Consequences of Recent Elections Become Clearer as We Move into the Final Months of 2026 Tony Perkins
Steven E. Moore, Robert Spalding, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, Josh Brecheen Tony Perkins
11/11/2026 The Jewish Vote Shift Amid Rising Anti-Semitism, American Security Targets, and Peace Talks Tony Perkins
Woe to the At-Ease: Amos' Call to Repentance Tony Perkins
Seek the Lord and Live: A Call from Amos 3-5 Tony Perkins
Harriet Hageman, Peter Doran, Joel Griffith, Glenn Grothman, Casey Harper Tony Perkins
11/10/2026 Ending Wars, a Lame Duck Congress, and Biblical Instruction for Leaders, on Today’s Washington Watch Tony Perkins
Ron Johnson, Andrew Clyde, Blaise Misztal, Michele Bachmann, Gary Hamrick Tony Perkins
11/9/2026 Reflections on How the Midterms Will Shape the Future Congressional Agenda and Foreign Policy Tony Perkins
In this video 0:00 The Legislative Battle: A Narrow Senate Victory13:48 Middle East Tensions and the Path to Peace25:01 The Cultural Battle: Truth and Courage in the Face of Misinformation34:01 Prophetic Insights: The Middle East and Biblical Prophecy
The Legislative Battle: A Narrow Senate Victory 0:00 From the heart of our nation's capital in Washington, DC, bringing compelling interviews, insightful analysis, taking you beyond the headlines and sound bites into conversations with our nation's leaders and newsmakers,0:13 all from a biblical world view. Washington Watch with Tony Perkins starts now. On this vote, the yeas are 50. The nays are 50. The senate being evenly divided. The vice0:25 president votes in the affirmative. The bill as amended is passed.0:30 That was vice president JD Vance presiding over the senate earlier today where the reconciliation bill narrowly passed after over 26 hours of debate. Welcome to this July first edition0:42 of Washington Watch. I'm your host, Tony Perkins. Thanks for tuning in. President Trump says the bill should move quickly through the house, but the version the senate passed looks very different from the 1 that0:54 first cleared the house. And many of the provisions that helped to build a coalition the first time in the house are now gone. In just a moment, we'll be joined by Alabama congressman Robert Aderhold, a senior member of1:05 the Appropriations Committee, who will walk us through the next steps and offer his perspective on how the house is likely to respond. Also ahead, first, it was parents, then state legislatures,1:17 then the courts, and now even the media is beginning to admit the truth about the junk science behind the transgender movement. We'll hear from doctor Michelle Critella, past executive director of the American College of
1:29 Pediatricians and the current chair of its adolescent sexuality committee. Next week, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with president Donald Trump in Washington to discuss ending the
1:41 conflict in Gaza. We'll talk with Virginia congressman John Maguire about what a true and lasting resolution would require. And continuing, focus on the Middle East,
1:52 with Iran potentially defanged, Syria under new leadership, and momentum building behind the Abraham Accords, are we witnessing a path to peace or the setup for a larger confrontation?
2:05 Author and Middle East expert Joel Richardson will join us for that discussion. And before we go to our first guest, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who partnered with
2:16 FRC and Washington Watch over the past few weeks. Several of you made calls yesterday, and, I'm grateful to report that with your prayers and support, we finished our fiscal year right
2:28 on target. That means we're ready to keep standing for faith, family, and freedom. So thanks for joining us. Alright. As I mentioned at the top of the program, the senate passed
2:40 the version of, its version of the big beautiful bill earlier today after, nearly 27 hours of, what's called a vote a rama. Now 3 Republicans, joined
2:52 the Democrats in, voting against the bill, which set up the vice president to cast the tie breaking vote. The legislation now goes back to the house. In fact, I believe right now as we speak,
3:04 it's in the rules committee. And, what's the process that it's going to go through? How long will it take to get to the floor, and what are the prospects of passage? Here to discuss this, congressman Robert
3:16 Aderholt, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. He represents the fourth congressional district of Alabama. Congressman Aderholt, welcome back to Washington Watch. Thanks for joining us.
3:26 Tony, good to be with you as always.
3:28 Alright. Before we get into your take on the senate version, just walk our viewers and listeners through the process of what's going to take place over the next 72 hours.
3:41 Well, from the best I understand, and, you know, I we have been on standby over the last several days, thinking the senate would pass a lot sooner than it did. So we could have a
3:53 similar situation in the house. But, if things stay as scheduled right now, the bill will come out of the rules committee, sometimes, probably tonight,
4:05 and then it will move forward, to be put on the floor in the morning. I got a, message from the, WIP's office that we would start debate, around 9
4:17 o'clock in the morning and would expect to vote, then shortly thereafter. So, we could be wrapped up by, probably by noon tomorrow if everything goes as planned. But as
4:29 you mentioned, things are very different on this bill than what it was when we passed it out of the house of representatives. Some of my colleagues have some concerns about it. I understand that, because,
4:41 obviously, the it was a better bill that came out of the house. But we are presented with this bill now, and we have to, decide whether we're gonna vote it up or down. And at this point, it doesn't like, there's an
4:53 opportunity really to make any changes. Obviously, there if everything falls apart, there could be some conference committee that's put together, but, I think the president
5:05 wants to see this move forward in a expedited manner. And, while it's not a perfect bill and if someone like yourself who served in legislative body, there is no perfect bill
5:17 out there. But, obviously, it's we need to move forward to keep the tax cuts, in place.
5:24 That that's probably the the the most significant portion of the bill that remains unchanged is the, the the tax extending and, I think, making permanent the tax, cuts that
5:36 are in place. If that's not approved, there will be a massive tax increase on the American people. But some of the other issues, congressman, that you and I care about, for instance, the defunding of planned
5:48 parenthood, it was, in the entire in the first bill, the entire window of the appropriations, which was a 10 year window, it was defunded. Now it's narrowed down to simply a year, which
6:00 is really a pause in funding because is congress gonna revisit the funding of Planned Parenthood?
6:06 I sure hope so. I mean, obviously, I'm like you. I would like I did not wanna see this, change that came in the senate, and this is 1 change that was, certainly disappointing. But, obviously, it's
6:18 it's getting this 1 year, moratorium, as you call it, is actually at least that is some good news. And, for that reason, I think it's
6:30 worth supporting this bill. But, obviously, also that I know that you care about and and so many of us care about is the adoption tax credit is also included in this
6:42 bill for up to 5000 dollars. And, so this is something that will really help a lot of low income households who may be unable to adopt. And as you
6:53 know, adoption is very expensive. And therefore and for us to, try to help the average American out there go through adoption, this is a welcome news.
7:06 Where do we stand on the the Medicaid, reforms that were being proposed to keep, those who were in the country illegally from, tapping into those federal dollars? I I know
7:18 the argument in reducing some of the Medicaid spending was to preserve it for those who were truly in need. Where does that now stand?
7:27 We're trying to find out, actually, I just had a discussion on my staff, just, just in the last few minutes about this. We're trying to find out what the language is. Of
7:38 course, we do know that the reporting requirements are still in there. That requires Medicaid recipients to prove their eligibility twice a year as opposed to annually as it is now.
7:50 And, the expanded work requirements, are included. And so there is, that in there, but as far as for the illegal, aliens,
8:02 that is something that we're trying to verify right now to see exactly what the language in the senate bill includes or doesn't include.
8:10 And and congressman Aderhold is the that you're the chair of the Values Action Team, so you you more than most are focused on, the issues that we care about, faith, family, and freedom. Of course, you've got an
8:21 outstanding voting record on those issues. The, the other aspect that was in the House version that's completely out in the senate version was to keep taxpayers from
8:33 being forced to fund, these experimental drugs and surgeries for transgender, minors and others.
8:42 Right. My understanding that was removed from the bill due to the Byrd rule. And that is, but, obviously, like you, I don't like to sing that in there. But,
8:55 the Byrd rule, according to my understanding, that was why it was was pulled.
9:00 What, how do you think, your colleagues I mean, you can't afford to lose many votes and get this through because you're not gonna get any Democratic votes for this. It's gonna have to be
9:12 all on the the backs of the Republicans. Already, I've heard that there are several, I would say at least 6 or 7 I've heard that have said are leaning toward this out of the House Freedom Caucus. What are you
9:24 hearing in terms of the prospects of the bill?
9:28 I think it's too early to tell, quite honestly. But I I think at the end of the day, I think most members realize this is a 1 opportunity. The president wants to see this. We don't want to have a tax
9:40 increase. If if this is not going to place, then we will see the highest ever peace time of tax increase, in in American history. And certainly, no 1 wants to see
9:51 that. And, obviously, it's no tax on tips are included in this, overtime. No tax on overtime is included in this. And then the, the border wall
10:03 funding, for border funding for bills the wall while providing for support for, the, men and women, the agents, the officers out there on the front lines, and then a hundred and
10:15 50000000000 for, defense and which includes the the Golden Dome that the president has talked so widely about. So there's a lot of great things in this bill. Again, is it
10:26 perfect? No. It's not perfect, and I would be the first 1 to say that. But, obviously, as you know, it's very difficult when you have men that are operating a legislative body to come
10:38 out with a perfect bill.
10:40 Yeah. It's what, you know, they they say they're saying church work where you have church committees. Committees are not the best way to do things. In fact, they say a camel was, actually a horse designed by a committee.
10:52 But let let's let's talk about the the fiscal aspects of this, because that's another area of concern for some of the fiscal hawks in the house. They
11:04 were actually wanting more of a reduction in the house version. They didn't get that. How's that gonna go over? What what are we looking at here in terms of the increase to
11:16 the the deficit and ultimately to the debt?
11:20 Well, that's gonna be a sticking point. No question. And that's where, that I think a lot of my colleagues will have a problem. And, obviously, in a perfect world, I would like to see that change too. Of course, as you
11:31 know, the debt ceiling is increased, up by 5000000000000 dollars. I know a lot of members have had some concerns about that. But at the same time, you know, this does not
11:42 raise the debt by 5000000000000. It just increases the ceiling, which I think is an important distinction. I think when some people hear about the debt ceiling being increased, they think it's an automatic 5000000000000
11:54 dollar increase. But, obviously, that's not the case. It would just increase the ceiling. So, but, obviously, this is gonna be 1 of the sticking points. And,
12:06 I I certainly wish that we could have a bill that was, that does not do the spending as it as it is. But, obviously, no 1 wants to see a tax increase for something like
12:17 4000000000000 dollars on the American people either.
12:20 So so let's talk about, we just have about a minute and a half left, congressman Adderholdt. The the appropriations process, How can some of these concerns be offset in that process?
12:33 Well, certainly, this appropriation process, we're well under our way. We are already have passed. I believe we have passed 3 or 4 out of committee. How that will be ready
12:45 for the house floor. And, we've already passed 1 appropriation bill on the house floor, the, military construction. So we're we're well on our way, and we're trying
12:57 to cut spending drastically in on the house version. Now, obviously, yes, gotta go to the senate, and, the numbers may change. But in the house side, we are actually tamping down on
13:09 the spending, and, we are spending way less, even in the preparations process. And, of course, as you know, that's important to do. But at the same time, at the end of the day,
13:21 we have to look at the long term of what these entitlement programs will do, to this country. And that's where the rule where we're really getting to making a difference. Right. So, while
13:32 appropriation is important, the entitlement programs is where really we can do some really make a real difference.
13:39 That that's where the lion's share of the revenue goes. Congressman, Aderholt, always great to see you. Thanks so much for, taking time to join us today.
Middle East Tensions and the Path to Peace
13:48 Thanks, Tony. Always good to be with you.
13:50 Alright. Coming up next, the Trump administration is, trying to make the most of the momentum between the in the ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
14:05 A family is the oldest, most tested, and most reliable unit of society. It is divinely created and sustained, and yet there are those who are always tampering with its values and structure.
14:18 That's why we need organizations like the Family Research Council that can effectively defend and strengthen the family.
14:25 Family Research Council began over 40 years ago, like all great movements of God, with prayer. Today, rooted in the heart of the nation's capital, FRC continues to
14:37 champion faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview.
14:44 FRC is 1 of those bright lights that helps us focus on true north, and I shudder to think had they not been here that it could have been worse, worse, worse.
14:54 The Family Research Council is key. It's 1 of a handful of groups that I think will determine whether our children live in a country that
15:06 enjoyed all of the freedom and all the opportunity that we enjoyed in this great land.
15:12 It's just a wonderful para church organization that doesn't as we
15:28 as we seek to live our lives according to the holy scriptures.
15:32 FRC, is not gonna be whooped. You know, we're we're gonna fight. We're gonna take a stand. And, again, we don't retreat.
15:41 You will never see in front of this building here in Washington, DC, a white flag flying. We will never step back. We will never surrender, and we will never
15:53 be silent.
16:01 Download the new Stand Firm app for Apple and Android phones today, and join a wonderful community of fellow believers. We've created a special place for you to access news from a biblical perspective,
16:13 read and listen to daily devotionals, pray for current events, and more. Share the Stand Firm app with your friends, family, and church members, and stand firm everywhere you go.
16:30 Looking for a trusted source of news that shares your Christian values? Turn to the Washington stand, your ultimate destination for informed faith centered reporting. Our dedicated team goes beyond the headlines,
16:41 delivering stories that matter most to believers. From breaking events to cultural insights, we provide clear, compassionate coverage through a biblical lens. Discover news you can trust at the Washington stand,
16:53 where faith and facts meet every day.
17:01 Welcome back to Washington Watch. Thanks so much for tuning in. Alright. Israel's strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, met today with senior Trump administration officials in Washington to,
17:13 to lay the groundwork for next week's meeting between president Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, which, is going to be focused on Gaza and what's
17:24 happening there. The Trump administration trying to make the most of the momentum that, happened last week in terms of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Now can they secure a breakthrough
17:36 in Gaza? Much different situation there. There. Joining me now to discuss this and more is congressman John Maguire, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a committee on oversight reform. He represents the
17:47 fifth congressional district of Virginia. He is also a Navy SEAL. Congressman Maguire, welcome back to Washington Watch. Thanks for joining us.
17:56 Hey. Great to see you, Tony. How are you?
17:58 I'm doing well. Thank you. So Israel has been fighting there in Gaza for, you know, going on almost 20 months. Much different
18:10 situation on the ground there as opposed to air strikes neutralizing Iran's, missile capacity, their nuclear capacity. They're not making
18:22 the process they would like to in Gaza. What's the best way out?
18:28 Well, you know, they blessed other peacemakers, and president Trump is trying to make peace all over the world. You probably saw Rwanda, Congo. You probably saw the ceasefire with Iran. And Israel is strengthening
18:40 right now. And so with president Trump, and meet with Bibi and negotiating, maybe we can get those 50 hostages back, and maybe we could have peace in Gaza. But
18:52 I gotta tell you, I'd certainly support Israel and their, decision to go into Gaza. I mean, after October seventh, it was just horrible. But I think with president Trump leadership and
19:03 partnership with Israel, it's complicated, but I think we can get it done.
19:09 Long term, 1 of the objectives actually, there was, like, 3 war objectives that Israel had going into to Gaza. 1 was to get the hostages back. 2 was to eliminate,
19:21 Hamas. They understand they cannot continue, with Hamas on their southern border there as a terrorist organization.
19:32 Yeah. I totally agree with that. I mean, their ideas, they they they will not stop until they push Israel into the sea. And Israel just wants peace, but you can't you can't negotiate with these folks. And so Israel needs
19:43 to eliminate the threat, and they cannot hold office. I certainly support that. I'm not sure what the negotiations is, how they're gonna come out with that. But, I don't I don't see any other way than to eliminate that
19:53 threat.
19:55 The, we've not heard this directly, but every time we hear peace, there is discussions of, so called 2 state solution, the 2 state proposal, which requires
20:06 Israel to give up land. That's actually what got, I think, Israel into the mess it was in with Gaza is that the disengagement back in 2005 and pulling
20:18 everything out and letting, the Palestinian authority take control. They had elections. 2007, Hamas was elected, and they've been gearing up for war ever since.
20:29 Yeah. You're right. In a 2 state solution, I I just don't think that's gonna work. Certainly, they've offered to send those, folks to other countries in the Middle East, and they don't want them because these folks are
20:38 indoctrinated from 5 years up to hate. And it's a it's a difficult thing to overcome, but the 2 state solution, I don't see that working. And like you said, it hasn't worked in the past.
20:48 What what's your sense now with this cease fire between Israel and Iran? We're we're still getting, you know, intels coming in regarding how
21:00 far back, Iran has been set back in terms of their nuclear program. Are what do you see as the ideal outcome there? Is it a regime change?
21:12 Well, you know, I think it's up to the people of Iran. I mean, you know, back 40 some years ago, they were 1 of the most Western countries in the Middle East. But I I I I I mean, I looked at the intel reports. Trump's,
21:25 Trump had his decisive decisive decision to go in there and use our military to take away their ability to have nuclear weapons. He obliterated that ability. There's just no way with 30000 pound bombs that they survived
21:36 that the ability to make nuclear, uranium and risk uranium there. But, I never thought in many years I would see Israeli fighters being refueled over Tehran, Tehran.
21:48 And so I think they've obliterated or minimized their ability to project power and war power. So, I think this is the best time in history, I think, for regime change, but it's up to the people. Right. They,
21:59 don't like what's going on. They gotta step up and do something. I
22:03 I I would agree. I mean, I when we talk I was talking, last weekend with, former UN ambassador John Bolton. You know, the the word regime change has a lot of negative
22:15 connotations to it because of some of the nation building activities that US was involved in, you know, in Afghanistan and elsewhere that did not work. It has to be
22:27 organic. It has to come up from the people. But I I do think there is evidence that the Iranian people would like to be out from underneath this repressive regime.
22:37 I think there's a lot of evidence of that, and I believe the population's around 92000000 people. And it's just, the the folks that that have been in control have been, you know, kidnapping people and murdering people
22:49 ever since we bombed the, enrichment facility. And so it's just a real oppressive society, and, you know, that hopefully hopefully, they've had enough. If they've had enough, there are people all over the world that'd be
23:01 willing to support them.
23:02 So let's talk about what that looks like. We just have about 2 minutes left. From an economic and diplomatic standpoint, how can we facilitate that at this point from your perspective?
23:13 Well, certainly, I think that, the allies are the, neighboring countries. Because like president Trump said, Iran is known as the bully of the Middle East. And people kept saying we're gonna have war. The Democrats, in
23:25 particular, kept saying we're gonna have war, and it's gonna call World War 3. But I noticed that China, Russia, and all of Iran's allies in the Middle East didn't say a word and didn't step in because they don't want
23:36 them having a nuclear weapon either. But I think that these surrounding countries could support them with arms or logistics to help them, you know, communicate and and have a regime
23:48 change.
23:50 Final, question for you, congressman. We just have about a minute left. I wanna switch gears here. You're going to be, as a member of the house, taking up the, reconciliation bill that comes
24:01 back almost unrecognizable from the senate. What do you think is gonna happen?
24:07 It's tough. It's tough. You know, it's you look at the alternatives. There's there are a lot of things in there I like, a lot of things I don't like. I'm telling you right now, I'm gonna vote yes, though, because the
24:15 alternative is worse. I mean, it would be the largest tax increase on the Middle East. And I'm I'm a limited government person, but if we should do anything, we should keep our people safe. And it's a hundred and
24:25 50000000000 dollars for national security. It also puts money into secure our border, and we've gotta be energy dominant. And, you know, obviously, remember, the, Joe Biden made the green new
24:36 scam, wouldn't let us, they shut down pipelines and everything else, shut down coal mines. So this will put, jet fuel on our economy and get a grow this economy so that we can live, work, and raise our families in
24:48 peace.
24:49 Alright, congressman. We're gonna leave it there. Always great to see you. Alright, folks. Stick with us. We're back with more Washington Watch on the other side of the break.Show more
Comments No comments yet. Start the conversation.
Comments
Keep it kind. Comments are public.