Skip to content 5/22/2026 Negotiating Government Funding and Foreign Policy, and Contemplating the Harms of Technology May 22 · 59 min ...more
5/22/2026 Negotiating Government Funding and Foreign Policy, and Contemplating the Harms of Technology
May 22, 2026 · 59 min
Jody Hice and guests discuss stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, struggles to fund ICE, along with other funding proposals before Congress, growing tensions in Southeast Asia, the indictment of Communist Dictator Raúl Castro, Life for Christians in Cuba, and how technology, specifically the smartphone, is jeopardizing families and marriages.
Series Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Video May 22, 2026 · 59 min · Washington Watch with Tony Perkins - Video
Jody Hice and guests discuss stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, struggles to fund ICE, along with other funding proposals before Congress, growing tensions in Southeast Asia, the indictment of Communist Dictator Raúl Castro, Life for Christians in Cuba, and how technology, specifically the smartphone, is jeopardizing families and marriages. ...more Show the full description Show less Jody Hice and guests discuss stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, struggles to fund ICE, along with other funding proposals before Congress, growing tensions in Southeast Asia, the indictment of Communist Dictator Raúl Castro, Life for Christians in Cuba, and how technology, specifically the smartphone, is jeopardizing families and marriages.
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In this video 0:00 News Brief: Key Headlines and Delays7:33 Domestic Funding Battles and Admin Updates12:09 Border Security Funding and Prayer for Freedom22:12 Foreign Policy: Taiwan, China, and Cuba Crisis37:12 Tech's Harm to Fertility and Relationships
1:25 Republicans over the president's 1000000000 dollar request for security for the White House ballroom. The delayed vote is a big setback for Republicans as they'll now miss the president's deadline of having the bill on
1:36 his desk by June first. Now some are questioning whether president Trump's involvement in recent primary contest may have disrupted the vote on the DHS funding bill. This comes after senator Bill Cassidy's
1:48 primary defeat in Louisiana and president Trump's endorsement of attorney general Ken Paxton against senator John Cornyn in Texas. Here's president Trump yesterday when asked if he's losing control of senate Republicans.
2:01 Our job, though, I really don't know. I can tell you. I only do what's right. I don't need money for the ballroom. You're not making a gift to the ballroom. It's the biggest, misreporting that I've ever
2:13 seen.
2:14 As of now, it looks like funding for immigration enforcement will be a very tight vote. Shifting now to some international news, president Trump is ramping up pressure on Cuba. Yesterday, he indicated
2:25 the US may be on the verge of military action against Cuba. President Trump said US presidents have, for decades, considered intervening in Cuba, but it looks like he'll be the 1 to do it. Those are his words. Secretary
2:37 of state Marco Rubio expressed doubt yesterday over diplomacy with Cuba and said Cuba is a national security threat threat. Here is secretary Rubio.
2:46 The president's preference is always a negotiated agreement that's peaceful. That's always our preference. That remains our preference with Cuba. I'm just being honest with you. You know, the likelihood of that happening
2:56 given who we're dealing with right now is not high. But if they have a change of heart, you know, we're here. And in the meantime, we'll keep doing what we need to do.
3:04 The White House has been pushing for regime change in Cuba, which is currently experiencing a devastating energy, fuel, and food crisis. Secretary Rubio said that Cuba has accepted the US offer of 100000000 dollars
3:16 in humanitarian aid to address that crisis. The US intelligence community has been reportedly looking into how Cuba might respond to American military force. For our next story, Democrats have released their much
3:27 anticipated autopsy on what led them to defeat in the 20 24 presidential election. The report is a 192 pages and has a disclaimer on every page that the documents reflect the views of the author,
3:39 not the DNC. The report placed partial blame on the Biden operation for not effectively supporting then vice president Kamala Harris. The autopsy also stated that Democrats did not effectively drive Trump's
3:51 negatives. The report cited that president Trump, his very effective ad where he put on a spotlight on Harris' support for gender transition surgeries for inmates. Finally, for our last story, president Trump has
4:03 paused a signing ceremony for his administration's executive order on the artificial intelligence industry. He postponed it because he said that he did not like certain aspects of it. He said that the US is
4:15 ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to AI, including China, and he said that he will not do anything that gets in the way of that. And that is today's news. I'm Mary Sackhouse. You can dive deeper at the
4:25 Washington Stand, family research council's outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. Head to the Washington Stand for more stories that matter, and we'll be back next week.
4:53 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
5:04 newsmakers, all from a biblical world view. Sitting in for Tony is today's host, Jody Heiss.
5:12 Why does it just drop the weaponization fund?
5:14 It's not my call. We're waiting to see what the senate sends us. They're working through that. So you guys
5:17 are obviously a problem, political problem. Meaning, can you guys are leaving town without passing this major priority?
5:22 I'll process whatever the senate sends me, and they need obviously a little bit more time to build consensus. So that's what that's what they've decided to do.
5:31 That was house speaker Mike Johnson addressing the senate's decision to delay a vote on the second second reconciliation package. Welcome to this May 20 second edition of Washington Watch. I'm your Friday
5:43 host, Jody Heise. Thank you so much for joining us. Coming up today, Florida congressman Mike Heridopolos will be joining me shortly to discuss efforts to fund immigration enforcement
5:55 agencies. All this after the senate delayed action to do so until early March. Plus, Yohi saw Suarez from the Washington stand will break down how
6:07 Christians in Cuba are coping with worsening conditions on the island along with new US murder charges filed against Cuban dictator Raul Castro. All
6:19 that and much much more coming your way straight ahead on Washington Watch. Senate Republicans have
6:30 delayed a vote on a major 72000000000 dollar immigration enforcement package after some internal disagreements over added spending provisions have entered
6:42 into the equation. Obviously, the bill includes funding for ICE and border patrol, but the question now is other proposed compensation funds for Americans who were unfairly
6:54 targeted by a weaponized government. The senate Republican leaders now are planning to revisit that measure after the Memorial Day recess. So joining us
7:06 now to discuss this is Washington Watch reporter Mary Stackhouse. Mary, there's a lot of talk about all of this. What are conservatives saying about the delay, and, why has this
7:18 bill overall become such a major major issue within the Republican Party?
7:23 Well, Jody, conservatives argue that the core of the legislation, which is boosting ICE operations and strengthening border enforcement, remains a top priority for for Republicans, excuse me, but the debate
Domestic Funding Battles and Admin Updates
7:34 intensified after additional provisions were attached. And that includes a 1800000000 dollar fund that's aimed at compensating those who are victims of politically motivated government actions. We're talking
7:46 about Biden era DOJ's targeting of conservatives. Supporters say the effort addresses years of federal overreach and unequal treatment under the justice system, while some GOP senators
7:58 want tighter limits on who could qualify. Now another point of debate involves funding tied to security upgrades and developments at the White House ballroom. Despite the delay, Republican leaders say that they
8:10 expect immigration the immigration package to move forward when congress returns in June. Jody?
8:18 Well, I wanted to, check too. Of course, there's a lot happening in the news, but I saw that, earlier today, some the inauguration, if you will, White House, put the mantle, if you will, on
8:30 Kevin Warsh as, the federal reserve chair. Of course, he's been a strong backer of president Trump. But what does all this mean potentially, for the economy and specifically for
8:41 interest rates moving forward?
8:44 So before I get to Kevin Warsh, director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, she is resigning from her role in the Trump administration. In her resignation letter, she cited that her husband
8:56 was recently diagnosed with a form of, a very rare form of bone cancer. So while 1 member is out of the administration, another is coming in. So worse takes
9:08 over the Federal Reserve at a critical economic moment with inflation still being high and energy prices climbing with AI rapidly reshaping the economy. Here's Here's what Borscht had to say after he took
9:20 the oath.
9:21 My goal now is to create an environment in which the best people can do their life's best work and to face every challenge in the spirit of common purpose and devotion
9:33 to the national interest, in a word to excellence. These duties are now mine, mister president, because of the trust you have placed in me.
9:43 President Trump backed worse because of his criticism of the Fed's recent direction and its handling of interest rates under Jerome Powell. Conservatives view Warsh as a reform minded and leader and focused
9:55 on boosting economic growth, restoring confidence in the Fed, and pursuing policies that could eventually lower borrowing costs for Americans and families and businesses. Jody?
10:06 Mary, I'm glad you brought up Tulsi Gabbard. That's, also, certainly big news. I had the honor of serving with her, and our prayers certainly go out for her and her husband. A very
10:17 difficult time for her, and so I encourage all our viewers and listen listeners to, just lift them up in prayer right now. Thank you, Mary. If I can turn to
10:29 some international news, secretary of state Rubio is in Europe this week. He's addressed some ongoing negotiations with Iran. This seems to be
10:41 continually up and down as far as what's happening. What are you hearing as far as progress of those talks and expectations moving forward?
10:52 So, Jody, secretary of state Marco Rubio said that the Trump administration is seeing not backing down from its core demand. Iran cannot be
11:04 allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. We've heard the president say that many times. Speaking from Europe after meetings with NATO allies, Rudio said that president Trump prefers a strong diplomatic agreement. But he made
11:16 it clear that the administration is prepared to take tougher action if Tehran refuses to cooperate. Here's what he said.
11:22 We're not there yet. And and hopefully that'll change. It may not. Honestly, it may not. We're deal we're dealing with a very difficult group of people. And if it doesn't change, then the president's been clear he has
11:31 other options. He prefers the negotiated option and having a good deal, but he he himself has expressed, you know, concern that maybe that's not possible. But we're gonna keep trying. I know our guys are still working on
11:43 that very hard.
11:44 Rubio emphasized that the US remains in constant communication with Pakistani mediators that are helping facilitate the talks while also warning that Washington is preparing contingency plans in case Iran
11:56 threat in case Iran threatens key global shipping routes like the Strait of Hermeuz. His message was direct. The administration is pursuing peace through strength, but president Trump has made it clear that other options
12:07 remain on the table if diplomacy fails. Jody.
Border Security Funding and Prayer for Freedom
12:11 Alright. Mary, thank you so much as always for these updates. We appreciate it. I wanna go ahead now and turn to a member of congress to discuss the Republican efforts to fund immigration enforcement and
12:23 border security. Joining us now is congressman Mike Herodopoulos. He's a member of the financial services committee as well as the Republican study committee and others. He represents the eighth congressional district of
12:35 Florida. Congressman Herodopoulos, welcome to Washington Watch. Great to have you.
12:39 Thank you, Jerry. Thanks for the opportunity.
12:42 Alright. So, obviously, the focus right now is on the senate. They they held off votes for this second, reconciliation package that's caused a lot of frustration,
12:55 understandably, in the house. Give me your thoughts on how all of this has unfolded.
13:00 Well, Jody, first, as you know, we've been making real positive steps in the United States House of Representatives. 4 different times we have fully funded homeland security. We think it's essential. And the most
13:12 basic way to look at it as a former US history teacher myself, The number 1 responsibility of form of government is to make sure that you protect life and property. Sadly, the Democrats are playing a lot
13:24 of political games at this point. They do not wanna fully fund both border security nor do they wanna fund ICE, which, of course, is our way of getting rid of the 10000000 people who came here illegally. And
13:36 many of those sadly committed violent or sexual crimes against American citizens, and we think those funds should be there, provide the services for the most basic thing, meaning people deserve to get
13:48 paid for providing the protection we need as a nation against increased threats here and around the world.
13:55 Yeah. And I totally agree with you on that. It seems like the 2 issues that have kind of, thrown mud into the whole situation are, first of all, the the billion dollar request for security
14:07 upgrades at the White House and for the ballroom, and secondly, the 1800000000, anti weaponization fund to, pay claims to victims of lawfare and
14:19 weaponization. What's your take on those 2 items? Are they going to be included or not?
14:24 Well, that that's something in the senate right now is, you know, we're waiting as you as you did in your career for the senate to act, in general, we're in this precarious situation because the Democrats are using the
14:34 filibuster to stop votes from taking place. Again, just to stress my background. I'm a former US history teacher. A filibuster was designed to delay votes, not stop votes completely. And when you
14:46 stop votes completely on fundamental things like that, you're denying the verdict of the people in the 20 24 election. That said, both these issues have been somewhat controversial as people want more
14:58 details. Clearly, I think what if the problem is is that the Democrats are soaked in a in what they call Trump derangement syndrome. Meaning, they they dislike the president so much. They forget that these are
15:09 protections not for Donald Trump. This is a protection for the president of the United States so they can hold state dinners, which is part of state craft, let alone do it in the safety and security which we need, which
15:21 simply is not available right now as we saw most recently with the third attempt on president Trump's life just a few weeks ago at a Washington DC Hilton. We're prepared to do the right thing. That is to protect the
15:33 American public, but we have to deal with the politics of the Democrats. But 1 thing is a bright light right now is that the acting surgeon, excuse me, attorney general has done, I think, a really good job of
15:44 walking through in committee meetings showing that this is about the protection of the presidency and protecting those guests whether it be congress members or their guests for the future. Because in the past, as you
15:55 know, Jody, they used to do White House events on the lawn in tents. And so clearly, we need to move towards more, stable position as opposed to playing a lot of these political games, which unfortunately are more and
16:06 more rampant here in Washington DC.
16:09 Yeah. They really are more rampant, and I don't see how in the world you cannot provide security for those events at the White House Ballroom. Democrats have been railing against the reconciliation
16:21 package saying that it does nothing to lower American costs, which is kind of ironic coming from them to begin with. But the reason that Republicans are doing this, as you mentioned a moment ago, is because Democrats do
16:33 not want to fund the Department of Homeland Security. I mean, security is something Americans not only want, they demand, isn't it?
16:43 It is. Again, I just have fundamental responsibility of government. And think about the most general way, Jody, is that they allowed 10000000 people to come into this country illegally, then they allowed them to do all
16:54 types of nefarious things, meaning they had sanctuary cities where a person would get arrested. The next day, they'd be right back out again, all in name of politics. And now as we finally try to round up these rascals,
17:05 we don't have the resources because they won't pass the budget to get these people funded who are actually providing the protection for the American public. So in general, it's a it's a democrat created problem and yet
17:17 they won't allow us to have the resources to round these people up. And I'll just close with this, Jody, on this 1 particular part. There's a website where people can see firsthand just how how tragic the situation is.
17:29 There's a website called w o w for worst of the worst at d h s dot gov. And it shows so many thousands of people who came here illegally and then additionally broke the
17:41 law with sexual crimes, other violent crimes, murder, rape, child molestation, you name it. So this is not some theory, this is reality. And we want those folks at border security
17:53 and ICE to round up these violent offenders because candidly, the sanctuary cities won't do it. And so we have to bring in federal agents to go and round up these people. And because local law enforcement
18:05 won't help, we need to actually bring in additional federal agents to protect the law enforcement agents going after these bad folks. That's how convoluted this terrible problem is.
18:16 So so convoluted indeed. Florida congressman Mike Herodopoulos, I wanna thank you so much for joining us today on Washington Watch. Wishing you and your family and friends a wonderful
18:28 Memorial Day weekend. You deserve a break. Thanks for joining us.
18:32 Thank you, Jimmy.
18:33 Alright. Coming up, we're going to discuss the pause. And you may not have caught this, but the US has put a pause on 14000000000 dollars of arms sale to Taiwan.
18:45 A big deal. Don't go away.
18:52 Join us for a time of prayer, inspiration, and action at this year's pray, vote, stand summit at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia. Hear from Christian leaders, issue experts, and
19:04 government officials as we work together to build a foundation based on biblical truth. Early bird special tickets are on sale for 69 dollars when you register by June fifteenth. To register,
19:16 visit pray boat stand dot org. That's pray boat stand dot org.
19:22 Exodus chapter 9 verse 1 says, thus says the lord god of the Hebrews, let my people go that they may serve me. You see, America has freedom for a
19:34 purpose. The question is, are we living by that purpose today? In scripture, deliverance and
19:46 freedom is never an end in itself. It is a liberation unto obedience, to worship, and to a covenantal relationship. God's demand to
19:58 Pharaoh was not freedom for freedom sake, but freedom so his people could identify with and belong to and serve him. Freedom is not used to serve
20:10 God will not not endure. 1 of the founders actually echoed a similar warning. Thomas Jefferson wrote, indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that
20:22 God is just and his justice cannot sleep forever. See, the
20:37 and And that freedom was given to us as a nation for that same purpose to serve God, to honor him, and to
20:49 live as a people under his authority. In this 200 and fiftieth anniversary year, we must ask the question, are we living
21:02 by that purpose today as a nation? Lord, we thank you for the godly foundation and heritage of our states. And Lord, we would return
21:14 to an understanding of the freedom that you've granted to us, that freedom has a name. His name is Jesus. And freedom has a purpose. It is to honor and glorify you. And I pray
21:26 that our nation would return to that understanding of the purpose of the freedom that you have granted to us. We thank you, father. By faith,
21:37 we pray that we would return to that purpose. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
21:55 Thank you for tuning in today to Washington Watch. I'm your Friday host, Jody Heise. Glad to have you on board with us. Earlier today, a spokesperson for the office of Taiwan's president
22:07 told reporters that the Taiwanese government had not been informed of the US decision to hold off on a 14000000000 dollar arms packageShow more
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