Washington Reporter

Washington Reporter

Share this post

Washington Reporter
Washington Reporter
Heard on the Hill

Heard on the Hill

What we're hearing from people we trust on and around the Hill

The Washington Reporter's avatar
The Washington Reporter
May 15, 2025

Share this post

Washington Reporter
Washington Reporter
Heard on the Hill
Share
  • REAL FACTS: Despite claims by some congressional Republicans that the reconciliation package sends money to illegal immigrants, Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R., La.) team noted that “the House bill does no such thing.” Athina Lawson, Johnson’s press secretary, added that “the One, Big, Beautiful Bill cuts off the 1.4 million illegal aliens who are stealing coverage from American citizens.”

  • RAGING BULL: Washed up actor Robert De Niro attacked President Trump again, from the Cannes Film Festival for Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, falsely claiming that the president is “cut[ting] funding and support to the arts, humanities and education.” Ric Grenell, the new head of the Kennedy Center, pushed back on De Niro’s lies, noting that “President Trump hasn’t cut funding for the Kennedy Center. There are a few honest reporters already reporting the massive funding INCREASE request from President Trump for the Kennedy Center.”

  • UNCHARTED TERRITORY: Charter’s decision to carry One America News underscores its commitment to viewpoint diversity and open access to information. President Trump highlighted the move on TruthSocial, praising the company for standing up for free expression.

  • NOT ALWAYS LOW PRICES: The Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart is raising prices on consumers over President Trump’s tariffs. Sources tell the Reporter that this could anger Trump Administration officials, especially since Secretary Scott Bessent is closing in on a deal with China.

  • SLAM THE BRAKES: Vermont joined Maryland, Connecticut, Virginia, and Delaware in halting enforcement of its electric vehicle mandate. All five states have withdrawn or modified EV requirements in recent months due to lack of demand.

  • STOLEN VALOR: Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D., N.J.) is under fire for “inflat[ing] her Navy rank in campaign materials,” per a report by the Washington Free Beacon’s Jon Levine.


Subscribe to Washington Reporter

The intersection of policy and politics, with valuable insights straight from Hill staff and D.C. insiders.

Share this post

Washington Reporter
Washington Reporter
Heard on the Hill
Share
Why the Biden Pill Penalty has been a disaster for Americans
A misguided policy enacted by former President Joe Biden has led to a 70 percent decline in investment in small-molecule drugs in the United States…
Mar 20 • 
The Washington Reporter
3

Share this post

Washington Reporter
Washington Reporter
Why the Biden Pill Penalty has been a disaster for Americans
EXCLUSIVE: Multiple career intelligence staff confirm Biden admin DNI Avril Haines used Signal "all the time and on her personal phone"
Biden administration Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines used Signal “all the time and on her personal phone,” according to multiple…
Apr 3 • 
Matthew Foldi
12

Share this post

Washington Reporter
Washington Reporter
EXCLUSIVE: Multiple career intelligence staff confirm Biden admin DNI Avril Haines used Signal "all the time and on her personal phone"
K-STREET, 10,000 FEET: Sen. Tillis and others warn: Durbin’s Credit Card Competition Act sinks GENIUS
The GENIUS Act is a bipartisan legislative effort aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for stablecoin regulation, but congressional sources…
May 20 • 
The Washington Reporter
2

Share this post

Washington Reporter
Washington Reporter
K-STREET, 10,000 FEET: Sen. Tillis and others warn: Durbin’s Credit Card Competition Act sinks GENIUS

Ready for more?

© 2025 Washington Reporter
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share