WashingTown

An Unkept Promise Sep 19, 2019

Members of Utah’s Pacific Islander community met with with Rep. Ben McAdams, Utah’s only Democrat in its congressional delegation, in Washington D.C., to discuss the reauthorization of COFA (Compacts of Free Association) in 2023 and how changes to the U.S. healthcare system a few years ago took medicaid benefits from a population deserves them. Not only do residents of Micronesian countries, like the Marshall Islands, travel and work freely in the U.S., they pay taxes, and they were exposed to radiation as the U.S. tested weaponry near their communities in World War II. It is an informative and moving conversation about a little known reality for many members of the Micronesian community living in the U.S.

A Republican and Two Democrats discuss managing public lands Sep 06, 2019

If the Federal Government manages state land, how do local government’s generate revenue? In this episode, Rep. Ben McAdams discusses public lands, including how the state is compensated for the public land managed by the federal government, with Piute County Commissioner, Darin Bushman, a Republican, and Summit County Councilman Glenn Wright, a Democrat. The trio have worked together before, and they are discussing some of the things they all agree on when it comes to generating revenue from public lands.

The work of a surgeon activist Aug 30, 2019

In this episode, Rep. Ben McAdams talks with Utah surgeon Dr. Scott Leckman about his advocacy work for on behalf of the poorest among us. He talks about what Dr. Leckman has been involved with, how Congress has responded to his requests for help, and what he’s working on in the future. Dr. Leckman explains why the U.S. government should be concerned about disease and healthcare around the world.

Extended Episode: At the Border with the Problem Solver’s Caucus Aug 19, 2019

This is an extended episode in which, Rep. Ben McAdams visits the U.S. southern border with colleagues from the Problem Solver’s Caucus. He interviews Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Republican from Ohio, Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, R-Virginia, about what they saw during their visit and how they might find solutions to the growing crisis. The problem, McAdams says, is much more complicated and nuanced that the public debate, which makes finding solutions more difficult. For Gonzalez, some moments took him back to his childhood. One weeping woman, in particular, made him think of the many relatives who spent time at his home as they immigrated from Cuba to the U.S.“That was incredibly powerful for me,” Gonzalez said. “I couldn’t help but see members of my own family when I looked in her eyes and saw the tears running down her face.”This is a longer version of Episode 24, in which featured only Gonzalez.

Does Utah have the cure for the country’s health care woes? Aug 09, 2019

In this episode, Rep. Ben McAdams talks with Marc Harrison, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, about what innovative ways the company has found that might provide guidance for the federal government as they try to address health care issues. He also discusses how aspects of what’s being developed in Utah can serve as a model for other companies, other states and possibly the country with Florida Rep. Donna Shalala, who served as Health and Human Services Director under President Bill Clinton.

At the Border with the Problem Solver’s Caucus Aug 02, 2019

In this episode, Rep. Ben McAdams visits the U.S. southern border with colleagues from the Problem Solver’s Caucus. He interviews Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Republican from Ohio, about what they saw during their visit and how they might find solutions to the growing crisis. The problem, McAdams says, is much more complicated and nuanced that the public debate, which makes finding solutions more difficult.For Gonzalez, some moments took him back to his childhood. One weeping woman, in particular, made him think of the many relatives who spent time at his home as they immigrated from Cuba to the U.S.“That was incredibly powerful for me,” Gonzalez said. “I couldn’t help but see members of my own family when I looked in her eyes and saw the tears running down her face.”He also talks with Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, R-Virginia, about what moved them and what it might take to actually deal with the crisis at the border.Here is an article from the Deseret News about McAdams and Gonzalez’s trip to the border: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900081837/utah-ben-mcadams-border-immigration-crisis.html (https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900081837/utah-ben-mcadams-border-immigration-crisis.html)

Shopping at the Same Grocery Store Jul 19, 2019

In this episode, Rep. Ben McAdams talks with Salt Lake City Council members about why local government tends to get so much done despite very different political philosophies. From homeless issues to infrastructure projects, local government officials set aside personal differences to accomplish a wide range of things that stall in halls of our federal government.City officials discuss the importance of autonomy of local government, but also the ways in which local officials can cooperate with federal representatives to “be a rising tide that lifts all ships.”

A big sister’s perspective Jul 12, 2019

In this episode, we bring you an edited version of the podcast “Thanks for sharing” with Jackie Pack. The Bountiful addiction recovery therapist is the older sister of Congressman Ben McAdams, and they discuss overcoming the difficulties of their childhood, how hardships shaped him, and how politics can become something that helps people and heals communities.You can find more from Pack, including the complete episode, at healingpathsrecovery.com.

The Realities of Addiction Jul 06, 2019

In this episode Congressman Ben McAdams meets with USARA (Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness) about the realities of addiction and what programs and strategies help people escape the grip of addiction. Rep. McAdams talks with those in recovering about what helps – and what doesn’t – and how partnerships between community organizations and government entities can provide a lifeline to people and families.The conversation includes statistical analysis of local programs and how data can help tell the story of addiction and recovery.

Two views of Iran Jun 27, 2019

In this episode of WashingTown, Congressman Ben McAdams talks with two of his colleagues from the House of Representatives about the tenuous relationship between the U.S. and Iran. He talks with one member from each of the major parties – Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat who represents Michigan’s 8th District, and Rep. Mark Green, a Republican who represents Tennessee’s 7th District. They each bring a unique and thought-provoking perspective to a political situation that is not well understood among many Americans. Rep. Green is a physician and veteran who served one tour in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq, while Rep. Slotkin is a former CIA analyst and Defense Department official who served three tours in the Middle East, and has worked on issues related to Iran most of her professional career.

How does the federal government support local justice? Jun 19, 2019

In this episode of WashingTown, Congressman Ben McAdams talks with Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill about how the federal government supports local efforts to solve crimes and support victims.Mr. Gill discusses how federal money means better investigative techniques, more training and less trauma for victims of sexual assault, especially children. They have a wide-ranging discussion that reveals just how valuable it is to have local and federal officials working in tandem to solve problems.

The Voices of Dreamers Jun 13, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams talks with Luis Garza, executive director of Comunidades Unidas (https://www.cuutah.org/) and several Utah students, who discuss how they feel about the House of Representatives passing the Dream and Promise Act. The Act gives those who were brought to the U.S. as children legal status and opportunities for permanent legal status in the only country most of them know. “The individuals known as Dreamers are our classmates, our coworkers, our neighbors and members of our congregations,” McAdams said after the bi-partisan bill passed on June 4, 2019. “Brought here as young children, this is the only home most of them have ever known. They are working, serving in the military, enrolled in college, and are giving back to the community. For too long, they have been in limbo about their future and this legislation offers a solution.”

Why does the federal deficit matter? Jun 06, 2019

In this episode Congressman Ben McAdams talks with Phil Smith from the Concord Coalition (https://www.concordcoalition.org) about a budget workshop they held with some of McAdams’ constituents. The nonpartisan group advocates for fiscal responsibility and raises awareness about how federal money is actually being spent.In the workshop, about 40 people were divided into seven different committees that looked at how the federal government is funded and then they propose cuts. Smith and McAdams discuss the realities of a federal deficit, the Trump tax cuts and whether a balanced federal budget is a realistic possibility.

Lessons from an Olympic athlete May 30, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams has a wide-ranging conversation that includes, building Olympians through youth programs, the mindset of a gold medalist, and how the lessons of sports and teamwork apply to the job we ask of our federal representatives. Congressman McAdams shares his frustration with the partisan language that undermines the spirit of cooperation and compromise. Derek Parra shares how representing the country should unite us in finding solutions rather than pit us against each other.

Across the Aisle with John Curtis May 24, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams talks with another member of Utah’s Congressional delegation – Republican Rep. John Curtis. They discuss working together on Utah issues, and what gets in the way when they try to work across party lines at the federal level. They also discuss successes and current issues in this unique public discussion of Washington’s partisan system.

The 150-year wait: An immigrant’s quest May 09, 2019

This is a conversation with Ashish Patel, who came to the U.S. on an H1B Visa, a visa that allows companies to hire highly skilled, specialized workers from around the world. He was granted status as an immigrant in 2011, but will wait decades for a green card without changes to the current immigration laws. In this conversation, Patel discusses his 10-year effort to change the immigraiton quota system that now means immigrants from countries like India would wait more than 150 years for a green card.He also discusses why his wife couldn’t work, and what it’s like to live with uncertainty. For some, he said, the U.S. system is too difficult to navigate, and recently many are opting to make their homes in Canada instead.

WashingTown Live, Part 2 May 02, 2019

This episode is part two of a WashingTown live event. Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics discusses the Mueller report, trying to accomplish legislative goals in the wake of the report and future hearings, the reasons he feels a constitutional amendment is necessary to balance the federal budget, and how he deals with situations where his personal conscience conflicts with the demands of his constituents. He also talks about how the current political climate has made solving even the most minor problems more difficult, especially because of dysfunction in the Senate.

WashingTown Live, Part 1 of 2 Apr 25, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams discusse shis first 100 days in office with Hinckley Institute of Politics director Jason Perry in front of an audience at KSL Broadcast House. Mr. Perry talks about the class that changed the congressman’s career path, his bipartisan roots and how difficult it has been to take the philosophy that made him successful in Utah to a deeply divided federal government.

Transportation – Troubles and Solutions Apr 18, 2019

In this issue of WashingTown, Congressman Ben McAdams talks about being in Utah for a couple of weeks to discuss issues that require cooperation between local governments and federal lawmakers. In this episode, he talks transportation – infrastructure and issues – with Utah Transit Board of Trustees Carton Christensen, board chair; Beth Holbrook, and Kent Millington. They talk about some of the new and innovative projects UTA hopes to undertake and what some of the issues are when trying to help people find the ability to live mobile lives.

The Art of Testifying Before Congress Apr 11, 2019

Attorney Mehrsa Baradaran discusses what it’s like to testifying in front of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, a subcommittee on which McAdams serves. Her testimony came during discussions about the Community Reinvestment Act and what possible updates or changes might be necessary, especially if financial institutions don’t have incentives to help with issues that are not profitable for them. The author of books and academic papers on the subject, she talks about why she was asked to testify, and why it’s difficult to deal with the nuances of the issues in a committee hearing.

The Marijuana Money Dilemma Apr 04, 2019

In this episode, Rep. Ben McAdams discusses the Safe Banking Act (H.R. 1595) with Washington Rep. Denny Heck. With 34 states legalizing marijuana to some degree, including Utah (medicinal), federal lawmakers are now grappling with how to allow those businesses dispensing or selling marijuana to use the federally insured banks or credit unions. Running cash-only businesses has made these dispensaries targets for criminals, and Rep. Heck shares a tragic story in his conversation with Rep. McAdams. The Utah State Treasurer and the Utah legislature have asked Congress to solve the problem and the SAFE Banking Act provides help. Nationally, the financial services industry has been calling for guidance on how to do business with companies that are legal in many states but are not legal at the federal level. Compliance burdens and fear of violating anti-money laundering laws have kept the number of financial institutions willing to do business with marijuana companies to only a few dozen.

Citizen Lobbyists Mar 28, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams (D-UT) talks with Deondra and Gregory Brown, two of the popular piano ensemble and Utah family, The Five Browns, about their hopes to change federal laws regarding the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases. A survivor of sexual abuse, Deondra said she and her sisters were lucky that Utah laws allowed them to seek prosecution of their abuser (their father), a fact that is important in both a survivor’s recovery and for public safety. Since then, she and her siblings have become active in seeking changes in the law that allow victims of sexual abuse to seek justice, even if it is decades after the abuse occurred. The conversation offers insight into the uniqueness of the federal legislative process and why citizens should see themselves — and their stories — as an important part of creating and changing policies. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, there is help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 (HOPE). For more information on the Five Browns, visit their website: www.the5browns.com (http://www.the5browns.com/)

Our Brother’s Keeper Mar 21, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams talks with businessman and member of Utah’s Muslim Community Avais Ahmed, as they discuss why his family chose Utah, what it was like being one of a handful of Muslims growing up in Kaysville, Utah, and how a terrorist attack in New Zealand that targeted Muslims in two different places of worship impact the Muslim community here in Utah. They give advice on how to bridge the divide between different groups, and why the efforts may amount to something as simple as sharing a meal. To offer us feedback or give us ideas for WashingTown, the podcast that follows former Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams as he transitions to representing Utah’s Fourth Congressional District in Washington, D.C., please email us at www.loudmouthproject.com. (mailto:tips@loudmouthproject.com)

Meeting of the Mayors Mar 14, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams meets with St. George Mayor Jon Pike and Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd to discuss what Congress could learn from the way local governments solve problems and deal with issues. They touch on priorities, including an airport expansion in St. George and infrastructure and minimum wage issues. Mayor Shepherd talks about decisions he thought might cost him his job, and why he did it anyway.

The Border Mar 08, 2019

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams talks with another newly elected representative – Veronica Escobar, a Democrat who represents Texas’s 16th Congressional District, the heart of which is El Paso. Rep. Escobar talks about how the mythology surrounding immigration, including incorrect or misleading crime statistics shared by President Donald Trump in his State of the Union address last month, make immigration and border conversations more difficult. Congressman McAdams shares his own thoughts on the complexities of the emotionally-charged debate, as lawmakers attempt to fix an immigration system that is failing U.S. citizens and immigrants.

The Volunteer Feb 21, 2019

In this episode of WashingTown, Congressman Ben McAdams sits down with one of the thousands of volunteers who helped him win the closest election of the 2018 midterms. Adam Gianelli had some unique reasons for volunteering to call and canvass for McAdams, and he wrote about it in a personal essay for the Washington Post Magazine. The poet and University of Utah graduate student felt volunteering for the campaign offered him the chance to have both his political voice and his actual voice, which includes a stutter, be heard. Essay link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/02/13/feature/i-found-my-stutter-prone-voice-by-exercising-my-political-one/?utm_term=.2d5291a41e8a

State of the Union Feb 14, 2019

While many members of Congress made political statements with who they invited to the State o the Union speech last week, Congressman Ben McAdams took a different approach. In this episode Congressman McAdams (D-Utah) talks about why he invited his very Republican brother-in-law (and early Trump supporter) to the State of the Union address. The two men have preserved their relationship – and peace at family gatherings – by avoiding politics, but they share their thoughts on the ability to listen through disagreements after President Trump’s State of the Union address last week.

Mr. McAdams goes to Washington Feb 13, 2019

This is the first episode of a podcast that will explore whether a successful democratic mayor from a red state can find a way to accomplish anything of significance in the deeply partisan Washington, D. C. Ben McAdams earned a narrow victory over the Republican incumbent, and he now represents Utah’s Fourth Congressional District. In this first episode, he discusses being sworn in during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and he interviews his wife, Julie McAdams and the wife of New York Representative Antonio Delgado, Lacey Schwartz Delgado. Welcome to WashingTown!

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