Sarah Binder
@sarahbinder.bsky.social
Political scientist by day (and night). GWU and Brookings. Co-editor, https://goodauthority.org/
sarahbinder.weebly.com
sarahbinder.weebly.com
π€£π€£ 2 big, 2 small. On purpose! And I used a βοΈ π€
January 23, 2026 at 11:03 PM
π€£π€£ 2 big, 2 small. On purpose! And I used a βοΈ π€
No shortage of carbs for this βοΈπ¨οΈ π
January 23, 2026 at 10:58 PM
No shortage of carbs for this βοΈπ¨οΈ π
Reposted by Sarah Binder
The Federal Reserve is still playing defense.
Here are four takeaways from the latest bouts between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
Read the latest from @sarahbinder.bsky.social & Mark Spindel: goodauthority.org/news/the-fed...
Here are four takeaways from the latest bouts between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
Read the latest from @sarahbinder.bsky.social & Mark Spindel: goodauthority.org/news/the-fed...
The Federal Reserve is still playing defense
The Federal Reserve is still playing defense. Four takeaways from the latest bouts between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
goodauthority.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:23 PM
The Federal Reserve is still playing defense.
Here are four takeaways from the latest bouts between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
Read the latest from @sarahbinder.bsky.social & Mark Spindel: goodauthority.org/news/the-fed...
Here are four takeaways from the latest bouts between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
Read the latest from @sarahbinder.bsky.social & Mark Spindel: goodauthority.org/news/the-fed...
The Fed might seem on a roll. Today it drew support from SCOTUS; last week, from markets & key GOP senators. But the Fed is not out of the woods. New @goodauth.bsky.social post w/ Mark Spindel on why Fed remains on defense & vulnerable to POTUS efforts to steer it. goodauthority.org/news/the-fed...
The Federal Reserve is still playing defense
The Federal Reserve is still playing defense. Four takeaways from the latest bouts between Trump and the Federal Reserve.
goodauthority.org
January 21, 2026 at 10:19 PM
The Fed might seem on a roll. Today it drew support from SCOTUS; last week, from markets & key GOP senators. But the Fed is not out of the woods. New @goodauth.bsky.social post w/ Mark Spindel on why Fed remains on defense & vulnerable to POTUS efforts to steer it. goodauthority.org/news/the-fed...
New post for @democracyproject.bsky.social's
"100 ideas" on the challenges of president-proofing legislative agencies-- especially GAO. Time is running out for Congress to consider ways to protect its non-partisan watchdog from a vortex of presidential power.
democracyproject.org/posts/insula...
"100 ideas" on the challenges of president-proofing legislative agencies-- especially GAO. Time is running out for Congress to consider ways to protect its non-partisan watchdog from a vortex of presidential power.
democracyproject.org/posts/insula...
Insulating Legislative Agencies
A broad range of views on democracy to help break the stalemate caused by partisan conflict.
democracyproject.org
January 21, 2026 at 9:39 PM
New post for @democracyproject.bsky.social's
"100 ideas" on the challenges of president-proofing legislative agencies-- especially GAO. Time is running out for Congress to consider ways to protect its non-partisan watchdog from a vortex of presidential power.
democracyproject.org/posts/insula...
"100 ideas" on the challenges of president-proofing legislative agencies-- especially GAO. Time is running out for Congress to consider ways to protect its non-partisan watchdog from a vortex of presidential power.
democracyproject.org/posts/insula...
Powell goes full Schattschneider π€!
Expand the scope of conflict, get audience off the sidelines & into the game. Gambit to rally political support for Fed & put Trump on defensive. Reminder that Fed depends on political support (from lawmakers, markets, judges, POTUS) to secure its βindependenceβ
Expand the scope of conflict, get audience off the sidelines & into the game. Gambit to rally political support for Fed & put Trump on defensive. Reminder that Fed depends on political support (from lawmakers, markets, judges, POTUS) to secure its βindependenceβ
Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
Statement by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell
YouTube video by Federal Reserve
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Powell goes full Schattschneider π€!
Expand the scope of conflict, get audience off the sidelines & into the game. Gambit to rally political support for Fed & put Trump on defensive. Reminder that Fed depends on political support (from lawmakers, markets, judges, POTUS) to secure its βindependenceβ
Expand the scope of conflict, get audience off the sidelines & into the game. Gambit to rally political support for Fed & put Trump on defensive. Reminder that Fed depends on political support (from lawmakers, markets, judges, POTUS) to secure its βindependenceβ
I did notice that (having failed originally to find the McGovern/Massie resolution when I searched for joint resolutions + Venezuela π)
Need to order up a "Living in a Pre-Chadha World" t-shirt from @mollyereynolds.bsky.social π€
Need to order up a "Living in a Pre-Chadha World" t-shirt from @mollyereynolds.bsky.social π€
January 8, 2026 at 6:13 PM
I did notice that (having failed originally to find the McGovern/Massie resolution when I searched for joint resolutions + Venezuela π)
Need to order up a "Living in a Pre-Chadha World" t-shirt from @mollyereynolds.bsky.social π€
Need to order up a "Living in a Pre-Chadha World" t-shirt from @mollyereynolds.bsky.social π€
Where's Congress on Venezuela? New Brookings post: Don't count on Congress but don't count it out either. Bipartisan Sen. WPR discharge vote today is case in point: WH failed to keep GOP in line. POTUS use of force is not a cakewalk for POTUS or slim GOP majorities. www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
The global implications of the US military operation in Venezuela | Brookings
Brookings scholars assess the global implications of the U.S. military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
www.brookings.edu
January 8, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Where's Congress on Venezuela? New Brookings post: Don't count on Congress but don't count it out either. Bipartisan Sen. WPR discharge vote today is case in point: WH failed to keep GOP in line. POTUS use of force is not a cakewalk for POTUS or slim GOP majorities. www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
Over 30% of petitions filed in 2025 have hit magic 218. True, lawmakers file fewer petitions today than @ height of bipartisan conservative coalition (1930s/40s). But remarkable hit rate today reflects Speaker overreach, stifling a pivotal majority faction in era of slim at-risk fragile majorities.
December 17, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Over 30% of petitions filed in 2025 have hit magic 218. True, lawmakers file fewer petitions today than @ height of bipartisan conservative coalition (1930s/40s). But remarkable hit rate today reflects Speaker overreach, stifling a pivotal majority faction in era of slim at-risk fragile majorities.
Discharge rule continues campaign for 2025 MVP awardπ! Coalition to extend ACA support hits 218 signatures, matching record 4 "entered" discharge petitions set 90 years ago (1937-8). Speakers today may have peak agenda power, but that's no match for angry 218 (and an organized minority).
December 17, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Discharge rule continues campaign for 2025 MVP awardπ! Coalition to extend ACA support hits 218 signatures, matching record 4 "entered" discharge petitions set 90 years ago (1937-8). Speakers today may have peak agenda power, but that's no match for angry 218 (and an organized minority).
Rare House discharge success today. Reminder that the rule was born of legislators' frustration with an overbearing and overreaching Speaker (Czar) Joe Cannon in 1910. Granted, Speakers Cannon & Johnson had different reasons to batten down the floor agenda. But overreach can sometimes prove costly!
November 18, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Rare House discharge success today. Reminder that the rule was born of legislators' frustration with an overbearing and overreaching Speaker (Czar) Joe Cannon in 1910. Granted, Speakers Cannon & Johnson had different reasons to batten down the floor agenda. But overreach can sometimes prove costly!
Family of four π€
July 25, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Family of four π€
Now this is a great speech for a POTUS to deliver when he visits the Federal Reserve (in 1937). Watch FDR live! (starts at .22)
sarahbinder.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/...
Or read the whole speech here π€
www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/ad...
sarahbinder.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/...
Or read the whole speech here π€
www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/ad...
July 24, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Now this is a great speech for a POTUS to deliver when he visits the Federal Reserve (in 1937). Watch FDR live! (starts at .22)
sarahbinder.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/...
Or read the whole speech here π€
www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/ad...
sarahbinder.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/...
Or read the whole speech here π€
www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/ad...
What to expect while you're expecting (Massie's discharge petition ...)
Massie introduced rule on July15 to discharge unrelated bill. Rule has to be pending in Rules panel for 7 *legislative* days before he can file discharge petition. So it'll be Sept before he can file petition. At that point, any MC can sign it at Clerk's desk. www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c...
www.congress.gov
July 23, 2025 at 11:06 PM
What to expect while you're expecting (Massie's discharge petition ...)
Massie introduced rule on July15 to discharge unrelated bill. Rule has to be pending in Rules panel for 7 *legislative* days before he can file discharge petition. So it'll be Sept before he can file petition. At that point, any MC can sign it at Clerk's desk. www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c...
www.congress.gov
July 23, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Massie introduced rule on July15 to discharge unrelated bill. Rule has to be pending in Rules panel for 7 *legislative* days before he can file discharge petition. So it'll be Sept before he can file petition. At that point, any MC can sign it at Clerk's desk. www.congress.gov/bill/119th-c...
I think these institutional consequences deserve far more attention than they've received-- especially with respect to the reputation and relevance of the Senate's neutral expert parliamentarian going forward. This issue matters regardless of one's views about reforming the filibuster!
July 8, 2025 at 2:29 PM
I think these institutional consequences deserve far more attention than they've received-- especially with respect to the reputation and relevance of the Senate's neutral expert parliamentarian going forward. This issue matters regardless of one's views about reforming the filibuster!
Senate GOP tactics to make 2017 tax cuts "permanent" required nuclear move on Senate floor-- weakening authority of the parliamentarian, blowing hole in Byrd Rule, & possibly making future debt crisis more likely. New @goodauth.bsky.social post on fallout from OBBB
goodauthority.org/news/three-b...
goodauthority.org/news/three-b...
Three big takeaways from that βOne Big Beautiful Bill.β
Republican tactics seem likely to weaken the Senate β and make fiscal crisis more likely.
goodauthority.org
July 8, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Senate GOP tactics to make 2017 tax cuts "permanent" required nuclear move on Senate floor-- weakening authority of the parliamentarian, blowing hole in Byrd Rule, & possibly making future debt crisis more likely. New @goodauth.bsky.social post on fallout from OBBB
goodauthority.org/news/three-b...
goodauthority.org/news/three-b...
Correct. Thatβs listed at very end of Budget Committee memo from minority staff:
βStill Under Review
Support for Artificial Intelligence. This provision provides federal aid to states under the condition that states agree not to regulate AI. (Section 0012)β
βStill Under Review
Support for Artificial Intelligence. This provision provides federal aid to states under the condition that states agree not to regulate AI. (Section 0012)β
June 21, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Correct. Thatβs listed at very end of Budget Committee memo from minority staff:
βStill Under Review
Support for Artificial Intelligence. This provision provides federal aid to states under the condition that states agree not to regulate AI. (Section 0012)β
βStill Under Review
Support for Artificial Intelligence. This provision provides federal aid to states under the condition that states agree not to regulate AI. (Section 0012)β
And yes, this assumes GOP majority continues to follow past practice in how Senate handles points of order under budget law /reconciliation. That process protects the β3/5th disciplineβ senators baked into Byrd rule to place some limitations on what majorities can stuff into reconciliation.
June 21, 2025 at 11:34 AM
And yes, this assumes GOP majority continues to follow past practice in how Senate handles points of order under budget law /reconciliation. That process protects the β3/5th disciplineβ senators baked into Byrd rule to place some limitations on what majorities can stuff into reconciliation.
Reminder on Byrd process:
Parliamentarian has identified OBBB text that violates Byrd rule. Her advice doesnβt block text. Sheβs saying: If GOP still keep Byrd-offending text in OBBB & send it to floor, a senator can cry fowl (π). Supporters would then need 60 votes to keep each proposal in bill.
Parliamentarian has identified OBBB text that violates Byrd rule. Her advice doesnβt block text. Sheβs saying: If GOP still keep Byrd-offending text in OBBB & send it to floor, a senator can cry fowl (π). Supporters would then need 60 votes to keep each proposal in bill.
Senate parliamentarian never sleeps! More Byrd droppings! These Ag panel droppings will get most π:
Mandating β¬οΈ state $$ contributions to fund SNAP & banning undocumented from food benefits
These Byrd calls very slightly shift OBBB to center. Likely angers hawks, but might help Thune.
Full list β¬οΈ
Mandating β¬οΈ state $$ contributions to fund SNAP & banning undocumented from food benefits
These Byrd calls very slightly shift OBBB to center. Likely angers hawks, but might help Thune.
Full list β¬οΈ
Several Additional Provisions in Republicansβ βOne Big, Beautiful Billβ Are Subject to 60-Vote Threshold, According to Senate Parliamentarian | U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget
The Official U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget
www.budget.senate.gov
June 21, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Reminder on Byrd process:
Parliamentarian has identified OBBB text that violates Byrd rule. Her advice doesnβt block text. Sheβs saying: If GOP still keep Byrd-offending text in OBBB & send it to floor, a senator can cry fowl (π). Supporters would then need 60 votes to keep each proposal in bill.
Parliamentarian has identified OBBB text that violates Byrd rule. Her advice doesnβt block text. Sheβs saying: If GOP still keep Byrd-offending text in OBBB & send it to floor, a senator can cry fowl (π). Supporters would then need 60 votes to keep each proposal in bill.
Senate parliamentarian never sleeps! More Byrd droppings! These Ag panel droppings will get most π:
Mandating β¬οΈ state $$ contributions to fund SNAP & banning undocumented from food benefits
These Byrd calls very slightly shift OBBB to center. Likely angers hawks, but might help Thune.
Full list β¬οΈ
Mandating β¬οΈ state $$ contributions to fund SNAP & banning undocumented from food benefits
These Byrd calls very slightly shift OBBB to center. Likely angers hawks, but might help Thune.
Full list β¬οΈ
Several Additional Provisions in Republicansβ βOne Big, Beautiful Billβ Are Subject to 60-Vote Threshold, According to Senate Parliamentarian | U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget
The Official U.S. Senate Committee On The Budget
www.budget.senate.gov
June 21, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Senate parliamentarian never sleeps! More Byrd droppings! These Ag panel droppings will get most π:
Mandating β¬οΈ state $$ contributions to fund SNAP & banning undocumented from food benefits
These Byrd calls very slightly shift OBBB to center. Likely angers hawks, but might help Thune.
Full list β¬οΈ
Mandating β¬οΈ state $$ contributions to fund SNAP & banning undocumented from food benefits
These Byrd calls very slightly shift OBBB to center. Likely angers hawks, but might help Thune.
Full list β¬οΈ
'Tis the (Byrd bath) season!
June 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM
'Tis the (Byrd bath) season!
Byrd droppings piling up from S Banking text. GOP-sought savings from Fed/CFPB are good reminder of Fed's *structural* independence. Guessing Byrd rule blocks zero'ing out of CFPB & Fed staff salary cuts, since Fed is self-funded & not reliant on Congress for appropriations.
June 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Byrd droppings piling up from S Banking text. GOP-sought savings from Fed/CFPB are good reminder of Fed's *structural* independence. Guessing Byrd rule blocks zero'ing out of CFPB & Fed staff salary cuts, since Fed is self-funded & not reliant on Congress for appropriations.