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Political Headlines and Controversies 0:06 Good afternoon. I'm Sarah Holliday with the latest news from the Washington Watch News Desk. Indiana took 1 step closer to protecting children from hormone therapy, puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgeries.0:18 On Wednesday, the seventh circuit approved a measure that maintains the state's block on gender affirming care for minors. Republican governor Eric Holcomb first signed it into law in April 20 23. But0:30 it faced a lengthy legal battle including a preliminary injunction that prevented the implementation of the law. However, the circuit court's decision finally allows it to go into effect. In0:41 other news, 54 house committee members have called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to take responsibility after an employee became the center of major scrutiny. FEMA supervisor0:53 Marnie Washington allegedly told relief workers in Florida to avoid homes with signs or flags supporting then candidate Donald Trump. Washington has since been fired. Congressman Verne1:05 Buchanan of Florida led the committee members in a joint letter demanding the organization put an end to any political bias influencing their disaster relief efforts. Reportedly, at least 20 homes were1:17 bypassed in Florida because of Washington's orders. She has since claimed innocence. Here's her explanation.1:24 What's reprehensible is they're not being transparent. Why is this coming down on me? I am the person that jotted down the notes for my superiors, and my notation in Teams chat was1:36 exposed from their surge capacity team. That's exactly what happened, and it's easier than say, well, It's her name. It's her it's her writing.1:46 Right.1:46 Give make her accountable for it. But I'm just simply executing again what was coming down from my superiors.1:55 Washington's reasoning, however, doesn't appear to satisfy conservatives. The member's letter concluded, Americans deserve better. In this country, we protect all our citizens regardless of political affiliation.2:06 We urge FEMA to take swift and decisive action to address this issue, hold those responsible fully accountable and restore public trust in its ability to serve every American in need. Also, making2:18 headlines is an announcement from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under the upcoming Trump administration, the agency plans to deploy thousands of workers across the country to enforce immigration2:30 laws. Trump's appointed border czar, Tom Homan, has vowed to flood sanctuary cities with agents to make arrests. According to the New York Post, roughly 60 to 70 percent of these ICE2:42 agents have been stuck behind desks under the Biden Harris administration. In light of this, Homan has said his first priority is to visit both borders to get a feel for what border patrol and ICE personnel need most2:54 as they prepare to reassign roles and tackle the ongoing crisis. Notably, some Democrats have stated they will not apply to Trump administration's efforts to deport illegal immigrants. Illinois governor JB3:06 Pritzker said this.3:08 Through his repeated attacks on workers and women, on immigrants and people with disabilities, and our LGBTQ plus community, Illinois has remained a place3:20 where rights are protected and that everyone can call home. To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would3:32 remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior. You come for my people, you come through me.3:42 In other election related news, Americans continue to watch as Trump fills key roles in his administration. Trump announced on Thursday his plan to make RFK junior, a former democrat3:53 turned independent, the head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Some say this partnership was expected as the 2 men have been promoting the phrase, make America healthy again throughout Trump's campaign. RFK4:05 has said his goal is to make Americans the quote healthiest people on earth. But given his longtime democratic ties, some conservatives and Christians have expressed concern over the fact that Trump's4:17 pick is historically and strongly pro abortion. A healthy America is a goal most people can agree on. But could RFK's involvement in 1 of the most heavily funded influential sectors of government hurt the pro4:29 life movement? Those are today's headlines. I'm Sarah Holliday. Up next is Washington Watch with guest host Jody Heiss, and we'll see you on Monday with more news.Washington Watch and Spiritual Call to Action 4:51 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 and5:02 newsmakers, all from a biblical worldview. Sitting in for Tony is today's host, Jody Heise.5:10 Well, good afternoon. Welcome to this Friday edition of Washington Watch. I am your Friday host, Jody Heise, the senior vice president here at the Family Research Council and president of FRC5:22 Action. We have a lot to bring your way today. Let me give you some of the highlights. President-elect Donald Trump continues to make head, head spin literally on the left while5:34 he rolls out a list of nominees for his incoming cabinet. And among those is Robert f Kennedy junior, who he tapped to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services.5:45 And the question that we have to all ask, when we're confronted with nominations like Robert f Kennedy junior, are these5:56 the best individuals available to the incoming Trump administration?6:04 Yes. Watch the heads spin. That was house minority leader Hakeem Jeffries earlier today. So what should we consider about Kennedy? What kind of difference could6:16 he make in the lives of American people? Well, I'll be discussing that here in just a few moments with FRC's Meg Kilgannon, who herself served in the education department during the first Trump6:27 administration. And speaking of serving the American people, a group of Republican congressmen are now demanding answers from news that came to light about the staff at the Federal6:39 Emergency Management, agency, also known as FEMA. But they were instructed evidently to avoid providing storm assistance to homes displaying Trump campaign signs.6:52 Well, originally, fingers, pointed to the now fired FEMA supervisor Marty Washington, but she is saying that she was just following orders from those higher up in the7:04 agency.7:06 What's reprehensible is they're not being transparent. Why is this coming down on me? I am the person that jotted down7:13 the notes from my superiors, and my notation in Teams chat was exposed. But I'm just simply executing again what was coming down from my superiors.7:25 Wow. Sounds like FEMA has a lot of explaining to do, and California congressman Doug LaMalfa will be joining me here in just a little while to talk about what he and7:37 his colleagues wanna find out. And there are many people who are still trying to figure out how so many demographic groups shifted to Trump in the 20 247:49 elections, including Gen z.7:52 Although vice president Harris still had an overall edge with young voters, Trump still gained considerable ground. According to ABC's exit poll data, voters between the ages of 18 and 29 shifted to the right by 138:04 points in 20 24.8:07 That was ABC News correspondent, Gio Benitez, this past weekend. And political commentator, Kyle Campbell, who is the host of the politically basic podcast, will be joining me later8:19 to talk about the voter turnout, the trends, the shifts, and the surprises that we saw specifically from Gen z. And to close out the program and the week, I'll be8:31 joined by FRC's David Clausen for our Biblical Worldview segment. We've got a lot to discuss about this week's headlines and how we, as Christians, should be thinking about them. So we've got a8:43 packed packed show for you today. If you miss any part of it, keep in mind the website, tony perkins dot com, where, of course, you can find this edition of Washington Watch as well as past editions as8:54 well and tons of resources. So be sure to bookmark that web page. Also, and I wanna underscore this for you. This is a critical time for our country as we prepare for the9:06 transition of leadership in Washington. As all this unfolds, our country faces unquestionably both global challenges as well as the effects of a current lame9:18 duck session here in congress. And look, we at FRC, we believe that this particular season calls for a heightened spiritual awareness and unity and9:30 vigilance. So during this time, this known as a lame Doug. Specifically, we're talking about from now till January twentieth of 20 25. We are inviting you to join us in what9:42 we're calling Operation Prayer Shield. This is just a collective prayer effort in which will seek God's divine protection. We'll seek his guidance and we want9:53 you to join us. Many of you were involved in praying for the election. Well, now we need to pray for the transition of leadership and for this lame duck session and for all the issues at stake. Simply10:05 text the word shield. Shield, s h I e l d, to 6 7 7 4 2. And what you will get in return are some weekly alerts, some daily10:17 prayer points, and a whole lot more. So, again, text the word shield to 6 7 7 4 2. Alright. Let's jump into our first topic for today. There's been a10:28 flurry of news related to president-elect Trump's picks for various cabinet positions, but perhaps no 1 has received as much backlash10:40 or10:41 support10:41 for that matter as Robert f Kennedy junior. He, of course, ran for president as an independent, but then later dropped out and endorsed Trump. No question. He's a complicated figure.10:54 But we wanna talk about him and president like Trump's pick for the US Department of Health and Human Services. And Meg Hill Gannon, who is a senior fellow for education studies here11:06 at FRC, is joining me now. She previously served at the US Department of Education during the first Trump administration. Meg, thanks so much for joining me. Great to see you.11:17 Great to see you, Jody. Thanks for having me.11:20 Alright. Boy, there's a lot of buzz about RFK Jr. Tell me your initial reaction, when it was announced that he was tapped for HHS.11:31 It's been quite a week of announcements. Right? So to have that 1 come yesterday was just the end of a really big week. I was, surprised that it was HHS that he was being11:43 named to head up, but, I was not surprised that he was given a prominent role in the administration. I mean, we we remember that the democrats the democratic party11:55 refused to have a primary to challenge Joe Biden, and but Robert f Kennedy mounted a Democratic party primary campaign before he left the Democratic party to become an independent.12:07 Right? Because they weren't going to have it. They weren't going to have any conversation on their side. And, there was a long, process of getting the endorsement from RFK12:18 junior by the Trump campaign. So I I'm not at all surprised that he's been given a prominent role. As a pro life conservative, of course,12:30 I, you know, would prefer a pro life person in this position, obviously. But I think that there is a lot of common ground with this pick that we can, obviously need12:42 to pray about and and hope for really, really good results should he make it through the confirmation process.12:48 Yeah. Those are some good points, Meg. And, you know, I there there's no question that this has been this whole, umbrella, if you will, underneath HHS has been a a passion of13:00 his. He's he's been very much involved and outspoken. I'll put it that way on on his positions with so many of these. In fact, let me just do this. Talk about the umbrella of HHS. This is13:12 an enormous agency, and some people may not be aware of just how big it is and what all comes underneath HHS. What are some of the agencies that come under this?13:22 Right. Well, there's the the Center for Disease Control. There's the Food and Drug Administration. There's the National Institutes of Health, just for starters. It oversees Medicare and Medicaid. There's a tremendous13:34 you know, there's 2000000000000 dollars of spending that goes through HHS, but a lot of that spending is not discretionary spending. A lot of that spending is entitlements, is health care for American13:46 citizens and under the Biden administration for illegal immigrants. So, you know, we have a lot of, we have a lot to unpack with that, and it's a lot to oversee. But there are13:58 a lot of pressing health concerns, facing Americans. And that is why the make let's make America healthy again art of the Donald Trump campaign that was,14:10 of course, the RFK Jr part of that was so resonant with so many people. I think a lot of people were surprised in unpacking who voted for Donald Trump that he did pretty well with suburban women, all things14:22 considered. And I think that maybe RFK junior deserves some of the credit for that because it concerns that he raises.14:29 So what are some of the reforms that, Kennedy has promoted that that have resonated with conservatives and and non conservatives?14:39 Right. Well, he, he has always been a person who has been interested in investigating some of the claims of the problems related to the vaccine regime that has, been14:51 grown over under, with the FDA's encouragement over the last 20 years. And he's he's willing to talk about that issue. And because he's willing to question that15:03 that whole presupposition that vaccines are always good, he's been vilified in the media. But there are a lot of people who share his concerns. And of course, all15:15 of the controversy surrounding the so called COVID vaccines, just played into this. So there's a lot there that needs to be investigated and examined. And he is an attorney.15:27 He's known for his environmental work as well. He's a person who's familiar with how government works. And I'm curious. I'm I'm enjoying thinking about what he might do and the kinds of things that15:39 he might, question as the head of HHS. You know15:44 I agree with you on that. I I I'm really sitting on pins and needles to just imagine where this is going to go. But now, Meg, at the same time that he's got some good things, he's got15:56 some things that he wants to uncover, investigate, get to the bottom up. At the same time, you alluded to this a while ago that there are some potential concerns that conservatives have with Kennedy's,16:08 nomination. You mentioned specifically where where does he stand on the life issues. But unpack for some of the concerns that, probably we need to at least be aware of as this,16:20 gets underway?16:22 Well, you know, there was a there was a brief shining moment there in his run for presidency when he was asked some questions about abortion, and he actually gave some nontraditional answers from someone in the16:34 Democratic Party. He actually said, you know, that he was for limits, and he made some very positive statements, but he unfortunately walked back. So I think where he is on abortion16:46 is is open to for questioning. And, as a person who's pro life, I don't want there to be any question. Right? But, we live in a democracy and a republic where I don't always get my16:58 way. So, I'm going to pray a lot about this and and hope for the best. And he does still have to make it through, you know, through confirmation. So I would I would love it if there17:09 was talk of some other appointments in undersecretary positions of people who are strongly pro life that could give maybe senators a little bit of leeway in supporting this nomination. You know, there's all kinds17:21 of deals that are made in these in this process, and so we'll just have to see how it unfolds.17:26 Yeah. Good point. Those undersecretaries are critical. Less than a minute or or so left, Meg. What do we know about his character? Most I would say most people really don't know much about RFK Jr.17:38 Right. There have been some tell all books written about him. 1 very recently that revealed some disturbing things, about his character, and17:50 that that will all be litigated by the press and by the senate as he goes through the confirmation process. It's certainly not something that's gonna be a surprise to anyone. So, this this again is18:02 something that we need to, we need to pray about. We're not we're not asking him to be our pastor. We're asking him to run the food the the the Department of Health and Human Services.18:12 So Very interesting. And and that that question of character doesn't just apply to RFK Jr. Some of the others who have been nominated, likewise, they have to go through that fire. Thank you, Meg Kilgannon, FRC18:24 senior fellow for education studies. Always great to see you and talk with you. We deeply appreciate your expertise.18:31 Thanks, Jody.18:32 Alright, friends. After the break, we'll discuss the calls for answers as it relates to FEMA, avoiding providing storm assistance to homes that were displaying18:44 signs in favor of Trump. So don't go anywhere. We'll cover that for you right after the break.Cultural and Political Shifts 18:52 Let's not be discouraged. Don't lose heart. Don't lose the faith. Stand now strong because the lord has given us the great privilege of living in a time when our choices matter, when our lives matter, when our19:04 courage matters. So let's stand together and save this great country. God bless the United States of America.19:10 The American Republic has a freedom like no other. It has roots in the scriptures, far more than any other heritage. And if we as followers of Jesus19:21 and conservatives don't defend it, who will?19:26 Neutrality is not an option. There are many Christians who believe that if we just keep our heads down, if we just don't say the wrong thing, that that somehow we will come out of this unscathed.19:38 You're naive if you think that. Because what they want from us is not our silence. What they want from us is our submission.19:47 Part of the dilemma of Christianity in our generation is that we've relied a little too much on human wisdom and human reasoning, human strength, human resource, and we've relied too little on the power19:59 of God and God's ability to open doors that we can't open and do things that we can't even hope to begin to do. This may not be an easy task, but we are living in20:24 after all, was never supposed to happen.20:27 Father, we thank you. You have entrusted us with this moment in history, and I pray that we would be found faithful. And that as a result of our faithfulness to you, that thousands, millions would come into20:39 the kingdom as they would experience the forgiveness of sin and the new life that is found only in Jesus Christ. Amen.20:52 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,21:04 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 you21:16 go.21:20 Are you a Christian parent looking to raise a spiritual champion in today's culture? Renowned author George Barna has written a new book, Raising Spiritual Champions. This book offers valuable21:32 insights based on extensive research conducted by George Barna, the Family Research Council, and Arizona Christian University. Learn how to help your children discern biblical truth and find compelling meaning and21:44 purpose. Don't miss out on this essential resource for parents. Order your copy today.21:53 Welcome back to Washington Watch. I am your Friday host, Jody Heiss. Glad to have you on board with us. Alright. Officials at the Federal Emergency Management as agency also known as22:04 FEMA, They're facing increased scrutiny after a whistleblower alleged that disaster relief efforts were intentionally denied to supporters of Donald Trump.22:16 Now originally, fingers pointed to since fired FEMA supervisor Marnie Washington who told employees under her authority to avoid Holmes advertising Trump.22:28 Now this took place specifically, during the disaster relief in Lake Placid, Florida, during the midst of all the hurricane season that we've just come come through. But she has since come out to say that she was just22:40 following orders from higher up in the federal agency.22:44 What's reprehensible is they're not being transparent. Why is this coming down on me? I am the person that jotted down the notes from my superiors, and my notation in Teams chat was22:56 exposed. But I'm just simply executing again what was coming down from my superiors.23:04 Well, among those who are demanding answers are members of congress, including my next guest. Joining me now is congressman Doug Lamalfo who serves on, 3 different committees,23:17 but he represents the first congressional district of California. He and I also shared same hall during my time in congress. Congressman LaMalfa LaMalfa, my friend, always great to have you back on23:29 Washington Watch. Good to see you.23:31 Jody, good to see you again, my friend. How you been?23:33 I'm doing well. Hope you are. Alright. Let's let's just start with this whole situation. Tell us what you know about this situation with FEMA and denying assistance to, people who23:45 had Trump signs.23:47 Well, I mean, we're we're all hearing the same story here, and we're gonna get to the bottom. We have 2 different letters out that we're gonna, you know, run through some hearings in in transportation committee. Our23:57 chairman Sam Graves and my other colleagues were, you know, gonna demand these answers. It's it's, you know, it's not unlike the secret service story here a while back with Trump in Pennsylvania. I mean, it is pathetic24:09 how we have so much government and so much of it isn't really functioning well for us. And I I think that, FEMA is something that we have to be able to trust as well because no. Look. Take my zone24:21 up in Northern California. We've had so much wildfire, so much forest fire, and and damage to communities, to homes, and such. And so FEMA has been an important part of helping people get back up on24:33 their feet, you know, in in ending the fire and then the the picking up the pieces after the fire. So we have to be able to trust the organization beyond on point. So it's very disturbing this is allowed to happen,24:45 under the Biden watch here that, miss Washington and now she wants to point uphill on this thing that, there must be it's coming down from a a pipe. So that that means it's maybe just isolated as Florida24:57 isn't or perhaps North Carolina or that region. It might be more cases of that around the country where there's a where's an issue like that and in in the past as well.25:06 Well and that's exactly right. And when FEMA goes to work, it's because there's a major crisis, and people need help at that point. And never should our government be involved in discrimination based on25:18 political viewpoints, but, especially, you would underscore that during a crisis. Well, after all this was found out, the, director, Deanne Criswell, she tweeted that25:30 the employee that you referenced has has been terminated, and and that's okay. But the fired employee, base went on to say that she was just following orders.25:42 Now do we know congressman LaMalfa if director Chris was looking into that claim, whether or not that's being taken seriously?25:51 Oh, my colleagues and I intend to ask her this at committee. So she'll be 1 of the ones that will be targeting for, having having the chance to grill her on this because, it it if it indicates that this individual26:03 is pointing upstairs that it's coming from on high, then that's an even bigger problem. And it's really sad because I mentioned my own district once again. We had the fire in Paradise, California back in,26:15 2018, and we really needed and FEMA, you know, largely came through for us on that. And so we might that was under the Trump administration. We all really trust these organizations not to have them weaponized as26:27 we see time and again, in many organizations, for the federal government that, they're using it for political purpose. And so miss Cristal needs to come answer that as well. Maybe she'll have a good answer, but she needs26:39 to have that opportunity, and we need to be able to get the that opportunity to question her on26:43 that. Yeah. Absolutely. And I do wanna get to the letter, but, you'd mentioned that this is probably not isolated. And it it appears, my understanding that the whistleblower actually said it's not26:55 isolated to Florida, but that this was extended to the Carolinas as well. But, you know, our as as we get to this whole letter, what is it that27:08 you all, you and your colleagues are demanding? What are some of the answers that you're looking for, and where where do you think this is going to lead?27:16 It it really drills down to the, the basics of, how are, the people in charge of FEMA, the different layers, the different levels, administering the aid, and how can27:28 they possibly put out a memo and think they're gonna get away with it. That's that's the crazy thing about this business around here. People that try to get away with these things that are completely outrageous. And so27:39 when we, interview this lady or others involved and see, yes, did we also have a problem in North Carolina around the same timeline? Because, unfortunately, it seemed like the aid and the, effort27:51 was getting out kinda slowly. And I don't wanna just be a critic because things could never seem fast enough for the people that are the victims in the situation. And, you know, it's it's difficult to get that out. So I28:01 don't wanna be just a critic, but why does it seem like it's not mobilized as quickly as it can? And why did that happen in North Carolina seemingly? So, if if whether it's Friswell or regional28:14 directors of this, we need to have them all be able to account for why did it happen this way, and and how can how can a a message like this go out from Washington under the direction, you know, missus miss28:25 Washington at the direction of somebody above her or on her own. Now Absolutely. Everybody else we know, we had a whistleblower that came forward thankfully for that so we get to the bottomless.28:36 And we've got less than a minute, congressman. But what would your message to Americans be, who may think that they've been targeted?28:46 Well, the the US House of Representatives is the people's house. Okay? We're the ones that directly represent people, most closely to their government. And so we we have the job of oversight and28:57 accountability, and we will demand accountability on this and get to the bottom of what has happened here. But we want them also to know that we're the watchdogs, and we're not just gonna accept this. So it it takes time29:09 sometimes to slog through this investigation investigative process. But putting them on notice right now means that any further FEMA action is gonna be much more directly in aid to the people, we believe. And that's29:21 that they'll they'll have that29:24 Thank you so much, congressman Doug LaMalfa, California's first congressional district. Great to see you. Thanks for coming.29:30 Cody, thanks so much. Appreciate it.29:32 Alright, friends. Coming up next, politically basic host Kyle Campbell will be joining me to discuss Gen Z, all the voter turnout, the trends, the shifts, and surprises in this demographic group.29:44 So stay tuned. Stick around. We'll be back right after the break.29:51 Everything we do begins as an idea. Before there can be acts of courage, there must be the belief that some things are worth the sacrifice for. Before there can be marriage, there's the idea that30:03 man should not be alone. Before there was freedom, there was the idea that individuals are created equal. It's true that all ideas have consequences, but we're less aware that all consequences are30:15 the fruit of ideas.30:17 Before there was murder, there was hate. Before there was a holocaust,30:21 there was the belief by some people that other people are undesirable. Our beliefs determine our behavior, and our beliefs about life's biggest questions determine our world people. Where did I30:33 come from? Who decides what is right and wrong? What happens when I die? Our answers to these questions explain why people see the world so differently. Debates about abortion30:45 are really disagreements about where life gets its value. Debates over sexuality and gender and marriage are really disagreements about whether the rules are made by us or for us. What we think of30:57 as political debates are often much more than that. They're disagreements about the purpose of our lives and the source of truth. As Christians, our goal must be to think biblically about everything.31:09 Our goal is to help you see beyond red and blue, left and right, to see the battle of ideas at the root of it all. Our goal is to equip Christians with a biblical worldview and help them advance and defend31:21 the faith in their families, communities, and the public square. Cultural renewal doesn't begin with campaigns and elections. It begins with individuals turning from lies to truth. ButShow more In this video 0:06 Political Headlines and Controversies4:33 Washington Watch and Spiritual Call to Action18:52 Cultural and Political Shifts31:25 Election Analysis and Christian Perspective43:34 Future of American Politics and Christian Engagement
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