The Hill: Government Shutdown Resolution, 50-Year Mortgages, and FDA Hormone Therapy Update

Government Shutdown Resolution

• 🏛️ A deal has been reached in the United States Senate to end the government shutdown, with President Trump giving his approval.
• ✈️ Despite the impending reopening, air travel remains significantly disrupted, with thousands of delays and cancellations nationwide.
• 🗳️ The Senate is set to vote on a continuing resolution funding the government through January, which will then shift focus to the House.
• 🤝 The bipartisan deal was crafted with the support of eight Senate Democrats and one independent, though it notably excludes extensions for Obamacare subsidies.
• 📉 Congressman Sean Casten expresses disappointment, arguing the deal "emasculates Congress" by locking in White House-imposed funding cuts.

Housing Affordability Proposals

• 🏡 The Trump administration is touting the idea of a 50-year mortgage to address housing affordability by lowering monthly payments.
• 💰 While a 50-year mortgage could reduce monthly costs by approximately $300 on a $500,000 home, the total interest paid over the life of the loan could nearly double.
• 📈 Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney suggests that a 50-year mortgage would likely increase housing demand, driving up prices rather than solving affordability.
• 💸 The administration is also proposing a $2,000 tariff dividend, which economists like Kevin Hassett warn could lead to further inflation by increasing demand without increasing supply.

FDA Announcement on Hormone Therapy

• 👩‍⚕️ The FDA is rolling back black box warning labels on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications, a move hailed as a victory for women's health.
• ⚠️ For over two decades, these warnings have cited serious risks such as breast cancer and stroke, deterring millions of women from seeking treatment.
• 📊 The FDA states this decision reflects two decades of new data and aims to empower women navigating menopause.
• 🥗 Vonyi Hari, founder of The Food Babe, likens this to the "Maha movement," emphasizing transparency and prevention in health and food systems.

Political and Economic Commentary

• 🗳️ The recent election results are discussed, with a focus on affordability as a key voter concern.
• 🗣️ There's a debate about the effectiveness of Senate Democratic leadership, particularly Chuck Schumer, in light of the shutdown resolution.
• 🏈 The potential for President Trump to have his name on a new NFL stadium is discussed, with historical examples of naming rights for former presidents.
• 🏭 Meta's investment in rural Iowa with a new data center is highlighted as part of a broader trend of tech companies building infrastructure for AI, raising questions about job creation versus increased electricity costs.