Washington has discovered a way to make immigration paperwork cost more than some houses. As The Hill reports, the Department of Homeland Security formally published a proposed rule yesterday that would add a $103,265 fee to every cap-subject H-1B petition, including petitions under the advanced-degree exemption. The charge would come on top of the filing…
The Major Richard Star Act: Weighing Promise, Principle, and Price
The fight over the Major Richard Star Act is one of those rare Washington debates where the moral case is pretty simple, even if the budget math isn’t. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently voiced support for the bill during Senate questioning, saying the administration supports the Act after Sen. Richard Blumenthal pressed him on the…
Budget Airlines and Big Government: The Spirit Bailout Debate
The Trump administration’s consideration of a bailout for Spirit Airlines is one of those rare political moments where everyone gets a little uncomfortable at the same time, but for very different reasons. On paper, it looks like a straightforward economic rescue: a struggling airline, mounting financial pressure, and a government weighing whether to step in…
When Voters Are Hungry: A Call to Authentic Renewal
At its surface, a recent Voto Latino survey reported by The Hill is striking but not shocking: a growing number of Americans are disillusioned with both major political parties, and many — especially non-voters — would consider a third-party choice in the next presidential election. Poll respondents from across the political spectrum agree that both…
3% Inflation Is the Quiet Thief That Won’t Leave the House
The latest numbers put inflation at about 3%. That may sound mild compared to the 9% wildfire we endured in 2022, but let’s not fool ourselves. It still means higher prices, thinner savings, and slower progress for families already stretched to the limit. Politicians in Washington can pat themselves on the back all they want,…
When Tweets Trump Tact: A Lesson in Cooling Off Before Calling Out
President Trump has never been accused of underreacting, and his latest dust-up with Canada proves the point. When an ad popped up north of the border quoting Ronald Reagan about “the dangers of protectionism,” Trump slammed the brakes on trade talks faster than you can say “NAFTA.” There was just one small problem: the ad…
The Federal Reserve Soap Opera: Appeals Court Edition
If you thought the Trump–Lisa Cook showdown at the Federal Reserve couldn’t get any more like a binge-worthy political thriller, think again. Forget Netflix; this saga is unfolding live, with more cliffhangers than a House of Cards marathon and just enough legal drama to make even Judge Judy grab some popcorn. Last week’s episode? A…
Tariffs, Courts, and the Constitution
Last Friday, President Trump’s trade agenda ran into a major hurdle when a federal appeals court stepped in with a big ruling on his tariffs. Now, before we start celebrating, panicking, or running out to hoard beans and rice, let’s all take a breath. These things are rarely as simple as they first appear. What…
Raising the Roof or Digging a Hole? A Look at the OBBBA Debt Limit Hike
Tucked inside the sprawling One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a hefty clause that raises the federal debt ceiling by a whopping $4 trillion. In plain English, this means the U.S. Treasury gets permission to borrow up to that higher limit so it can keep paying the bills Congress has already racked up, things…
A Tax Too Far? Weighing the 3.5% Remittance Levy in the One Big Beautiful Bill
Let’s talk about money—specifically, money flying out of the country faster than a kid bolting from chores. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has an interesting provision that I haven’t heard anyone talk about: a 3.5% tax on money sent abroad by non-citizens, including green card holders and visa workers. Let’s examine this from an…
The Independent Christian Conservative 