U.S. Congress & Federal Policy

See how every network is framing U.S. Congress & Federal Policy — we run them all, so you see every side. News for humans, not bots: serious, civil discussion among real people, with the context and facts you need. Don't just watch: be on the air with your own video takes, polls and predictions.

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Where the room stands

Topic polls that run across every story and network — the durable sentiment, and how Al Jazeera and Fox audiences differ. Add your take.

Black athletes make up ~56% of D-I basketball rosters.

The NAACP & Congressional Black Caucus say the Protect College Sports Act strips rights from Black athletes, who dominate revenue sports but historically received none of the billions in revenue they generate.

Topic poll · all networksWhat film did Jurassic Park dethrone as the top-grossing movie ever?

  1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
  2. Star Wars: A New Hope
  3. Jaws
  4. The Lion King
Guess, then reveal the answer

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The 1973 oil embargo made U.S. energy prices a national crisis overnight.

OPEC's 1973 embargo cut U.S. oil supply 17%, spiking gas prices ~40%. Congress responded with emergency speed limits & daylight saving time — the last time fossil fuel pricing reshaped daily American life this acutely.

The prosecutor behind Epstein's plea deal later became a Cabinet secretary.

Alexander Acosta approved Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution agreement as U.S. Attorney. He later served as Trump's Labor Secretary — then resigned in July 2019 when Epstein was re-arrested and the deal faced intense public scrutiny.

ICE was created in 2003 — born from the post-9/11 Homeland Security Act.

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 abolished the INS and split its functions. ICE merged U.S. Customs and INS enforcement into one agency. Today it employs roughly 20,000 people across 400+ offices worldwide.

Topic poll · all networksWhere should the FBI expand its presence most?

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Topic poll · all networksThe Sports Broadcasting Act, now being amended, was originally passed in what year?

  1. 1951
  2. 1961
  3. 1972
  4. 1984
Guess, then reveal the answer

1961

Topic poll · all networksA real hurricane hit the 'Jurassic Park' cast on location. Which one?

  1. Hurricane Iniki
  2. Hurricane Andrew
  3. Hurricane Hugo
  4. Hurricane Bob
Guess, then reveal the answer

Hurricane Iniki

Topic poll · all networksThe Senate's 60-vote cloture rule was lowered FROM what number in 1975?

  1. 51
  2. 67
  3. 55
  4. 75
Guess, then reveal the answer

67

Only ~25 of 350+ D-I schools run athletics without subsidies!

Most college athletic departments lose money, relying on football and basketball revenue or student fees to fund other sports. That financial reality is central to Congress's debate over paying athletes without gutting other programs.

Topic poll · all networksHow long should FEMA take to reimburse states after a disaster?

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The U.S. outspends Iran on defense by roughly 90 to 1.

Iran's defense budget is ~$10B/year vs. the U.S. FY2025 budget of ~$895B. Despite the massive gap, U.S. officials — including Sec. Hegseth — cite Iran as a top source of adversarial propaganda targeting American troops.

College sports is a $20B+ industry — athletes got $0 in pay until 2021.

Before NCAA NIL rules changed in 2021, college athletes couldn't earn from their name or likeness. The House v. NCAA settlement now requires schools to share ~$2.8B with athletes over 10 years — a key backdrop to today's Senate vote.

Congress has memorialized fallen members since its first session in 1789!

The tradition predates most U.S. institutions. Early Congresses observed mourning periods, wore black armbands, and delivered formal eulogies on the House floor — rituals that evolved into today's organized memorial services on Capitol Hill.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the FBI's credibility problems?

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The U.S. & Iran have clashed militarily since 1988's naval battle

Operation Praying Mantis (1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. U.S.-Iran military tensions span decades. Read more at Wikipedia

The college NIL market topped $1.67B in just its third year!

Before the NCAA changed its rules in July 2021, college athletes earned $0 from endorsements. The NIL market exploded to over $1.67 billion by 2024 — prompting Congress to now push for federal regulation.

Topic poll · all networksWhen did Minnesota last elect a Republican to the U.S. Senate?

  1. 1978
  2. 1988
  3. 1994
  4. 2002
Guess, then reveal the answer

1978

DOJ's Inspector General can audit any FBI stats cited in testimony.

After high-profile congressional hearings, the DOJ IG has authority to independently verify FBI performance claims. Past IG reviews have flagged data gaps in FBI crime reporting — making today's arrest statistics subject to future scrutiny.

The FBI Director's salary is fixed by law at ~$197,300/year.

Set at Executive Schedule Level III, the FBI Director's pay is determined by Congress — not the president. Kash Patel, if confirmed, cannot negotiate his salary, unlike most executive hires.

Topic poll · all networksWhat defined Lindsey Graham's Senate career most?

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Hegseth's 'State of the Force' is the first address of its kind!

No previous Secretary of Defense held a formal 'State of the Force' address. Hegseth introduced the tradition in 2025, modeled on the State of the Union, to speak directly to U.S. service members.

Topic poll · all networksShould FBI directors be required to testify before Congress?

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Sen. Bob Graham filled 4,000+ notebooks logging his daily life.

The Florida Democrat kept meticulous 'workbooks' recording every meeting, meal, and activity for over 40 years. His notebooks are archived at the University of Florida as a unique political record.

Topic poll · all networksHow many defendants did Jack Smith charge in the Mar-a-Lago documents case?

  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 5
  4. 7
Guess, then reveal the answer

3

Cybercrime cost Americans a record $12.5B in losses in 2023!

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center logged over 880,000 complaints in 2023 — its highest ever. Investment fraud alone accounted for $4.57B in losses, underscoring why the FBI's cyber strategy is a financial emergency.

Topic poll · all networksHow many women have EVER served in the U.S. Senate as of 2024?

  1. Around 25
  2. Around 60
  3. Around 100
  4. Around 150
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 60

Topic poll · all networksHow many years did Nancy Pelosi lead House Democrats before Jeffries?

  1. 10 years
  2. 15 years
  3. 20 years
  4. 25 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

20 years

In 1988, the U.S. destroyed half of Iran's navy in a single day.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was triggered by Iran mining international waters near Hormuz. The U.S. Navy sank 2 Iranian frigates and several gunboats — the largest American naval surface battle since World War II.

Topic poll · all networksShould Congress rely on FBI whistleblowers to expose internal problems?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many articles of impeachment did Rep. Massie file against Hegseth?

  1. 3
  2. 5
  3. 8
  4. 12
Guess, then reveal the answer

8

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Hegseth's address most change at the Pentagon?

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Graham is one of few senators to serve on active duty while in office!

A JAG officer in the Air Force Reserve, Graham deployed to Iraq in 2007 while serving as a senator — a rare dual role not seen regularly since WWII, when several sitting members of Congress served in uniform.

Topic poll · all networksGeorge E. Johnson founded Johnson Products Co. with how much startup cash?

  1. $250
  2. $2,500
  3. $10,000
  4. $50,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

$250

Topic poll · all networksJack Smith's final report ran how many total pages across both volumes?

  1. 88 pages
  2. 174 pages
  3. 274 pages
  4. 330+ pages
Guess, then reveal the answer

330+ pages

Congress last forced NCAA reform in 1906 — via Teddy Roosevelt!

After 18+ college football deaths in 1905, Roosevelt summoned university presidents to the White House and demanded reform. The result: the NCAA was born in 1906. Now, ~120 years later, Congress is again stepping in to reshape college sports.

The FBI scrapped a $170M tech upgrade — and started over.

The FBI's Virtual Case File system was abandoned in 2005 after spending ~$170M with nothing usable delivered. Its replacement, Sentinel, cost an additional $451M — making the full modernization push a $600M+ ordeal.

Topic poll · all networksWhat matters most at a Capitol Hill memorial for former members?

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Human trafficking generates ~$150B in illegal profits yearly.

The ILO estimates $99B of that stems from sexual exploitation alone. The FBI is a primary U.S. agency targeting these networks, making Patel's Senate testimony on enforcement performance especially high-stakes.

Topic poll · all networksOnly one U.S. president won non-consecutive terms. Who was it?

  1. Grover Cleveland
  2. Andrew Jackson
  3. Martin Van Buren
  4. John Adams
Guess, then reveal the answer

Grover Cleveland

Topic poll · all networksHow long has Chuck Schumer served in U.S. Congress?

  1. Over 20 years
  2. Over 30 years
  3. Over 40 years
  4. Over 50 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

Over 40 years

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Congress focus on when grilling Supreme Court justices?

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Senate couldn't confirm FBI directors until 1976!

After J. Edgar Hoover ran the FBI unchecked for 48 years, Congress passed a law requiring Senate confirmation and capping director terms at 10 years — making accountability the law.

Graham called for striking Iran's nuclear sites as far back as 2007.

Long before the current Iran conflict, Graham warned from the Senate floor that military force against Iran's nuclear program was inevitable. He repeated calls for preemptive strikes in 2012 and 2015, making him one of Congress's most consistent Iran hawks.

Topic poll · all networksWhat position did Hakeem Jeffries hold before becoming House Minority Leader?

  1. House Democratic Caucus Chair
  2. Senate Judiciary Committee
  3. Congressional Black Caucus Chair
  4. House Budget Committee Chair
Guess, then reveal the answer

House Democratic Caucus Chair

A $2.8B lawsuit forced the NCAA to start paying athletes directly.

The 2024 House v. NCAA antitrust settlement — $2.8 billion over 10 years — pushed Congress to act, as schools now share revenue with athletes for the first time in college sports history.

Sam Neill wasn't Spielberg's first choice for Dr. Alan Grant!

William Hurt was offered the role first and turned it down. Richard Dreyfuss also passed before Neill was cast — and went on to make the role iconic in the 1993 blockbuster.

The Capitol Hill press corps is one of the largest in the world!

Over 3,500 journalists hold congressional press credentials, making the U.S. Capitol one of the most covered legislative buildings on Earth. Fox 5 DC's 'On The Hill' is among hundreds of outlets reporting from there daily.

Senate Minority Leaders earn $19,400 more per year than other senators!

Regular U.S. senators earn $174,000 annually, while party floor leaders — both Majority and Minority — receive $193,400. The pay gap has existed since Congress began differentiating leadership salaries in the 1960s.

Topic poll · all networksWhich story deserves the most coverage this week?

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Topic poll · all networksThe NDAA defense bill has been signed into law every year since when?

  1. 1961
  2. 1973
  3. 1947
  4. 1985
Guess, then reveal the answer

1961

Title IX (1972) had no expiration — this bill's women's protections do.

Title IX permanently banned sex discrimination in federally funded schools. The College Sports Act's women's protections expire in 4–9 years, while the NCAA antitrust exemption the bill grants is permanent.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Congress prioritize after the Maine ice rink shooting?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat crisis elevated the G20 from ministers to a leaders' summit?

  1. 2008 financial crisis
  2. 9/11 terrorist attacks
  3. COVID-19 pandemic
  4. 2003 Iraq War
Guess, then reveal the answer

2008 financial crisis

Topic poll · all networksWho bears the most responsibility for the Toronto festival shooting?

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In 2019, a judge ruled DOJ violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act over Epstein.

Under the 2004 Crime Victims' Rights Act, victims must be notified of plea deals. Judge Kenneth Marra found DOJ hid Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution agreement from victims — a federal statutory violation.

Topic poll · all networksIn 2019, Epstein faced up to how many years on federal charges?

  1. 15 years
  2. 45 years
  3. 90 years
  4. Life in prison
Guess, then reveal the answer

45 years

The EU's fertility rate hit a record low of 1.46 in 2022!

Replacement level is 2.1 births per woman — no EU member state currently meets it. Eurostat projects the EU working-age population could shrink by roughly 50 million by 2070 without intervention.

The FBI's annual budget exceeds $10 billion per year.

The FBI requested roughly $10.9 billion for FY2024. With ~35,000 employees across 56 field offices, oversight of how those resources are directed is a core Senate Judiciary Committee function.

Nordone is only the 2nd woman ever to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate!

The first was Republican Paula Hawkins, who served from 1981–1987. Florida, the 3rd most populous U.S. state, went nearly 40 years with no female Senate representation before Nordone's appointment.

The FBI's budget has grown from $3.3B in 2000 to over $10B today!

Congress controls the FBI's purse strings — director testimony is a key moment when lawmakers question spending. The FBI requested $10.8B for FY2024, funding 35,000+ employees across 56 field offices.

College sports generates $18B+ yearly, but athletes got $0 until 2021

Before the NCAA's NIL rule change in July 2021 — triggered by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling — college athletes were barred from earning any money from their name, image, or likeness. The Protect College Sports Act now aims to set federal rules for that pay.

A Senate impeachment trial needs a 2/3 vote to remove an official.

If the House impeaches Hegseth, the Senate becomes the jury — 67 votes needed to convict. In 1876, Sec. of War Belknap was acquitted when senators voted 'not guilty' on jurisdiction after he'd already resigned.

Topic poll · all networksWill AI safety warnings from insiders change how the industry operates?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the ICE-involved shooting in Maine?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat should Congress prioritize on the Epstein files?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many people officially filed with the FEC to run for president in 2024?

  1. Under 100
  2. Around 300
  3. Over 1,000
  4. Exactly 538
Guess, then reveal the answer

Over 1,000

Topic poll · all networksCongress capped the FBI Director's term at 10 years because of whom?

  1. J. Edgar Hoover
  2. Richard Nixon
  3. Robert Kennedy
  4. Joseph McCarthy
Guess, then reveal the answer

J. Edgar Hoover

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' raises the small biz deduction to 23%!

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a 20% deduction for pass-through business income, set to expire in 2025. The new bill makes it permanent AND increases it to 23%, directly benefiting sole proprietors, partnerships, and S-corps.

Topic poll · all networksHow many Senate votes are needed to break a filibuster?

  1. 51
  2. 60
  3. 67
  4. 75
Guess, then reveal the answer

60

Canada tightened gun laws after a string of Toronto mass shootings

After the 2018 Danforth Ave shooting killed 2 and injured 13, Canada moved to ban handguns nationally. Public shootings carry severe legal consequences under Canadian law. Read more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksRep. Tom Cole has chaired how many different House committees?

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
Guess, then reveal the answer

2

Topic poll · all networksWill Congress approve the full $30B for ATC modernization?

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A 2011 gunman fired 8 rifle rounds at the White House exterior.

Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez fired an AK-style rifle at the White House from a car on Constitution Ave. Two bullets struck the building. He was sentenced to 25 years in 2013 — one of the most serious White House security breaches in decades.

Topic poll · all networksHow many months did Jack Smith serve as Special Counsel?

  1. 14 months
  2. 26 months
  3. 38 months
  4. 48 months
Guess, then reveal the answer

26 months

Hegseth served in Iraq before becoming a TV host & Sec. of Defense!

An Army National Guard officer, Hegseth deployed to Guantanamo & Iraq before hosting Fox & Friends Weekend. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhich entertainer won a Minnesota U.S. Senate seat before Tafoya's run?

  1. Al Franken
  2. Jesse Ventura
  3. Garrison Keillor
  4. Eugene McCarthy
Guess, then reveal the answer

Al Franken

Topic poll · all networksIf the College Sports Act passes, what changes most?

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Midterms have flipped House control 9 times since 1980!

The White House party loses House seats in nearly every midterm — a pattern holding for over a century. Explore the full history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksBy how many votes did the House pass the One Big Beautiful Bill?

  1. 1 vote
  2. 12 votes
  3. 34 votes
  4. 51 votes
Guess, then reveal the answer

1 vote

Topic poll · all networksWhich issue should House Democrats tackle first in 2026?

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Lindsey Graham prosecuted cases as a real-life military JAG lawyer!

Before his Senate career, Graham served as an Air Force Judge Advocate, then as a Reserve JAG officer. In 1999, he was one of 13 House Managers who prosecuted President Clinton's Senate impeachment trial.

Jeffries made history as the first Black congressional party leader!

In Jan. 2023, Jeffries succeeded Nancy Pelosi as House Minority Leader — becoming the first Black American ever to lead a major U.S. congressional caucus. Read more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhich past Congressional 'urgent action' call had the biggest impact?

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Schumer broke with Obama in 2015 to oppose the Iran nuclear deal.

Schumer announced his opposition to the JCPOA in a NYT op-ed, calling it too risky long-term. He was one of only 4 Senate Democrats to vote against it, drawing sharp White House criticism.

Topic poll · all networksWhat matters most about George E. Johnson's impact?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat's the most likely outcome of Jack Smith's Senate testimony?

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OpenAI's 2025 funding round was the largest private tech raise ever!

In March 2025, OpenAI closed a $40 billion round led by SoftBank, valuing it at $300 billion — more than Hungary's entire GDP — fueling the AI race that Congress is now scrambling to regulate.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Fox 5 DC's 'On the Hill' prioritize most?

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Topic poll · all networksAre further U.S. strikes on Iran justified?

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Topic poll · all networksIf the Protect College Sports Act fails, what suffers most?

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The U.S. attracted $67B in private AI investment in 2023 alone!

Stanford's 2024 AI Index found the U.S. led all nations in AI funding — nearly 8x China's $7.8B. As Senate Democrats push for AI oversight, that massive economic stake shapes every regulatory debate on Capitol Hill.

Ann Widdecombe was an MP for 23 years before joining Brexit Party

The outspoken Conservative MP for Maidstone also became a Brexit Party MEP in 2019. Explore her remarkable political life at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat will most define Kash Patel's FBI tenure?

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Collins has ranked #1 on the Bipartisan Index multiple times!

The Lugar Center's Bipartisan Index scores senators on cross-party co-sponsorship. Collins has topped the list more than any other senator — a key reason Manchin is crossing party lines to campaign for her.

Topic poll · all networksHow many years passed between Sam Neill's first & last Jurassic Park films?

  1. 15 years
  2. 22 years
  3. 29 years
  4. 35 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

29 years

Iraq's PM first visited the White House just 3 years after the US invasion.

In 2006, PM Nouri al-Maliki met President George W. Bush at the White House — a striking shift from 2003, when the US led a coalition to topple Saddam Hussein's government in Baghdad.

The Architect of the Capitol manages a ~$700M annual budget!

That office oversees all Capitol ceremonies — including memorial services for former Members of Congress — covering everything from the historic chambers to the National Statuary Hall where tributes are held.

Topic poll · all networksWhat's the most likely fate of the Protect College Sports Act?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat role did Lindsey Graham play in Clinton's 1998 impeachment?

  1. House Manager
  2. Senate Juror
  3. Defense Counsel
  4. Judiciary Chairman
Guess, then reveal the answer

House Manager

Topic poll · all networksHow long has Lindsey Graham served in the U.S. Senate?

  1. Since 1999
  2. Since 2003
  3. Since 2007
  4. Since 2011
Guess, then reveal the answer

Since 2003

Topic poll · all networksWhat have US-China White House summits historically produced?

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Trump skipped Iraq's PM during his surprise 2018 Baghdad trip!

In Dec. 2018, Trump made an unannounced visit to U.S. troops in Iraq but never met PM Adel Abdul-Mahdi, sparking a diplomatic rift. Today's formal White House meeting marks a stark contrast to that snub.

FBI Directors serve a 10-year term to stay above politics!

Congress set the 10-year term in 1976 after J. Edgar Hoover's 48-year reign showed the dangers of politically entangled leadership. Patel's term, if fully served, would extend well past Trump's presidency.

Topic poll · all networksWhy did Ann Widdecombe convert from Anglican to Catholic in 1993?

  1. Church of England ordained women
  2. She married a Catholic
  3. She moved to a Catholic area
  4. Pope personally invited her
Guess, then reveal the answer

Church of England ordained women

The U.S. has clashed with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz before!

In 1987-88, the U.S. Navy ran Operation Earnest Will — the largest convoy op since WWII — escorting tankers after Iran mined the strait and attacked over 87 ships during the Iran-Iraq War.

Topic poll · all networksWhat will Jeffries focus on most in his next move?

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Topic poll · all networksIs Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade the right move?

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Trump called COVID concerns a 'hoax' at a Feb. 2020 rally.

At a Feb. 28, 2020 rally in SC, Trump called Democratic criticism of his COVID response a 'hoax.' The U.S. surpassed 1M cases by May 2020. Critics now draw a direct parallel to his dismissal of AI safety warnings.

Topic poll · all networksWhich Sam Neill role defined his Hollywood legacy?

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Topic poll · all networksWho's most responsible for college sports' NIL spending spiral?

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Topic poll · all networksShould college coaching salaries be capped by federal law?

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Topic poll · all networksBefore becoming Trump's top Senate ally, Graham once called him what?

  1. A race-baiting xenophobic bigot
  2. A dangerous demagogue
  3. Unfit for the presidency
  4. The worst candidate ever
Guess, then reveal the answer

A race-baiting xenophobic bigot

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the UECF White House terror plot?

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Topic poll · all networksWho has the power to appoint a replacement when a SC Senate seat opens?

  1. The SC Governor
  2. A special election
  3. The SC Legislature
  4. The outgoing Senator
Guess, then reveal the answer

The SC Governor

Topic poll · all networksShould Senate vacancies be filled by appointment or special election?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for aging U.S. water infrastructure?

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Topic poll · all networksShould senators use floor speeches to pressure their own party?

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Topic poll · all networksFBI scrapped its post-9/11 tech upgrade after spending how much?

  1. ~$50 million
  2. ~$170 million
  3. ~$340 million
  4. ~$500 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

~$170 million

Sen. Ted Cruz played college basketball at Princeton!

Cruz, the lead sponsor of the Protect College Sports Act, played basketball at Princeton in the late 1980s — experience he has cited while advocating for federal oversight of college athletics and NIL.

Topic poll · all networksWhat law mandated the FBI's post-9/11 intelligence overhaul?

  1. USA PATRIOT Act
  2. Intelligence Reform Act
  3. Homeland Security Act
  4. FISA Amendments Act
Guess, then reveal the answer

Intelligence Reform Act

Topic poll · all networksWhat's most likely to force full Epstein file disclosure?

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Trump's 2018 Iraq visit caused a major diplomatic incident!

During his Dec. 2018 troop visit, Trump never met Iraqi officials — sparking outrage. Iraqi lawmakers called it a sovereignty violation, and some demanded US troops leave Iraq.

Congress controls ~$1.7 trillion in discretionary spending yearly!

The 'power of the purse' is Congress's constitutional authority to fund or defund programs. FY2024 discretionary spending topped $1.7 trillion, giving lawmakers enormous leverage when demanding action.

The FBI Director has no statutory protection from being fired.

Unlike federal judges, the FBI Director serves 'at the pleasure of the President.' Congress set a 10-year term after J. Edgar Hoover but never added removal protections — a gap exposed when President Trump fired Director Comey in 2017.

Topic poll · all networksWill child care costs become the defining 2026 midterm issue?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat should define Sen. Lindsey Graham's political legacy?

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A Senate bill often needs 60 votes — not 51 — to advance.

The filibuster lets senators extend debate indefinitely, blocking a vote. To end it, 60 of 100 senators must agree to 'cloture.' The House has no filibuster — a simple majority passes bills there.

Topic poll · all networksWhat law gives FEMA authority to respond to disasters?

  1. The Stafford Act
  2. The FEMA Charter Act
  3. The Homeland Security Act
  4. The National Emergencies Act
Guess, then reveal the answer

The Stafford Act

Topic poll · all networksHow many women competed in college sports BEFORE Title IX passed in 1972?

  1. ~30,000
  2. ~90,000
  3. ~150,000
  4. ~210,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

~30,000

Topic poll · all networksWhat share of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 10%
  3. About 20%
  4. About 35%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

Topic poll · all networksShould Darline Graham serve out Lindsey's full Senate term?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most blame for politicizing the FBI?

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Topic poll · all networksWhich change will reshape college sports most in 10 years?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat year did Congress pass the law limiting FBI director terms?

  1. 1968
  2. 1976
  3. 1982
  4. 1994
Guess, then reveal the answer

1976

Topic poll · all networksWhich money issue will the Protect College Sports Act fix first?

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The 1948 Paramount Decree reshaped Hollywood via antitrust law!

Studios were forced to sell their theater chains after the Supreme Court ruled against vertical monopolies. This history echoes today's media merger battles. Learn more at Wikipedia

The Senate has formal mourning traditions when a member passes away.

When a sitting senator dies, the Senate typically adjourns as a mark of respect, drapes the chamber, and holds tribute proceedings before resuming normal business. Learn more at Wikipedia

The U.S. needs $625B in drinking water upgrades over 20 years

EPA's 2023 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey identified a $625 billion funding gap. The State Revolving Fund provides roughly $1B/year — covering less than 3% of the estimated annual need.

Topic poll · all networksShould the Senate force a rate payer protection vote without Democrats?

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Epstein's estate paid ~$105M to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2024.

The U.S. Virgin Islands sued Epstein's estate for enabling sex trafficking on his private island. The $105M settlement, finalized in early 2024, was one of the largest state-level payouts tied to the case — separate from private victim funds.

Topic poll · all networksWill the Protect College Sports Act pass the Senate this year?

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Lindsey Graham grew up literally above a bar & pool hall.

Graham's family ran a restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Central, SC, where he lived as a child. Both his parents died before he turned 22, leaving him to become legal guardian of his younger sister Darline.

Topic poll · all networksIn FEMA disaster aid, what % of costs does the federal gov cover?

  1. 50%
  2. 75%
  3. 90%
  4. 100%
Guess, then reveal the answer

75%

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens to the FBI's budget under Patel's watch?

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Trump is constitutionally barred from running for president in 2028!

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, caps presidents at 2 terms. Trump served 2017–2021 and began his 2nd term in Jan. 2025, making 2028 the first open-seat election since 2008 — with no incumbent on the ballot.

Topic poll · all networksWhich G20 economic outcome matters most to your wallet?

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Congress controls the FBI's ~$10.8B annual budget.

The FBI's FY2024 budget request was $10.8 billion. Because Congress holds the power of the purse over federal agencies, confirmation hearings like this one are a key moment of financial and operational accountability for the Bureau.

Rep. Chuck Edwards ran McDonald's franchises before Congress!

Before politics, Edwards owned McDonald's restaurants in NC. He won a NC State Senate seat in 2016, then flipped a U.S. House seat in 2022. Read his full background at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow many states joined the landmark antitrust suit against Microsoft in 1998?

  1. 9 states
  2. 20 states
  3. 35 states
  4. 47 states
Guess, then reveal the answer

20 states

The FBI employs ~35,000 people — only ~13,000 are special agents.

The rest are professional staff: analysts, linguists, scientists, and tech specialists. Patel oversees this entire workforce, making personnel and unit-staffing decisions central to today's Senate Judiciary testimony.

Topic poll · all networksWill TX officials finally meet with Epstein abuse survivors?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many Senate Democrats are in the current minority caucus?

  1. 41
  2. 44
  3. 47
  4. 50
Guess, then reveal the answer

47

Fox paid $787.5M to Dominion — the largest U.S. media defamation settlement.

The 2023 Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News settlement underscores the enormous financial stakes in press freedom litigation — context for why First Amendment court battles, like those Rep. Jeffries referenced, can reach the Supreme Court.

Topic poll · all networksHow many threats to the President does the Secret Service investigate yearly?

  1. Around 1,000
  2. Around 10,000
  3. Around 3,500
  4. Around 25,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 10,000

Topic poll · all networksThe Church Committee reformed FBI intel — what year did it begin?

  1. 1963
  2. 1969
  3. 1975
  4. 1983
Guess, then reveal the answer

1975

Topic poll · all networksHow long did the first woman sworn into the U.S. Senate serve?

  1. 1 day
  2. 6 months
  3. 2 years
  4. 4 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

1 day

Thune is the first SD senator to lead the Senate in history!

John Thune became Senate Majority Leader in Jan. 2025 after serving SD since 2005. A former small-town mayor, he rose to lead the chamber. Learn more at Wikipedia

Sen. Tommy Tuberville coached college football for 25+ years before Congress.

Tuberville was head coach at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati before winning his Alabama Senate seat in 2020. His Auburn Tigers went 13-0 in 2004 — the same year NCAA reform talks began.

Topic poll · all networksShould Congress force full Epstein file release over White House objections?

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Thune leads 53 Republicans as Senate Majority Leader.

John Thune of South Dakota was elected Senate Majority Leader in November 2024, giving him authority over the Senate's legislative agenda for all 53 GOP members — making his Minnesota campaign appearance a high-profile endorsement.

NCAA President Charlie Baker played college hoops at Harvard!

Baker, a 6'6" guard, played varsity basketball at Harvard before becoming MA governor. Now he oversees 500,000+ student-athletes — and is central to the college sports reform debate in Congress.

Iraq walks a tightrope between U.S. and Iranian influence!

Iraq hosts ~2,500 U.S. troops while also maintaining deep ties with Iran — making PM Al-Sudani's White House visit a high-stakes balancing act. Explore the history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhen 'Jurassic Park' broke the all-time box office record in 1993, whose record did it beat?

  1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
  2. Star Wars
  3. Home Alone
  4. Terminator 2
Guess, then reveal the answer

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Topic poll · all networksWhat does Graham's death mean for Trump's Senate agenda?

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Topic poll · all networksRoughly how many fluent Cherokee speakers remain today?

  1. Around 500
  2. Around 2,000
  3. Around 8,500
  4. Around 22,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 2,000

Topic poll · all networksWhat will most shape military readiness under Hegseth?

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The U.S. quit the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, triggering Iran's pullback

When Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, Iran began reducing compliance step-by-step. This cycle of violations and responses has defined the deal ever since. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWho is hurt most by college sports' current chaos?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many characters are in the Cherokee syllabary?

  1. 26
  2. 52
  3. 85
  4. 120
Guess, then reveal the answer

85

Topic poll · all networksShould survivors have a legal right to see the Epstein files?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat did Lindsey Graham do after both parents died in his early 20s?

  1. Raised his younger sister
  2. Dropped out of law school
  3. Moved to Washington D.C.
  4. Joined the military
Guess, then reveal the answer

Raised his younger sister

Topic poll · all networksWhat's the best way to keep Cherokee alive for future generations?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many women have ever been appointed to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy?

  1. Under 10
  2. Between 10 and 20
  3. Between 20 and 30
  4. Over 30
Guess, then reveal the answer

Under 10

Topic poll · all networksShould Lindsey Graham cross party lines to broker a deal?

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Lawler defeated the DCCC chair in 2022 to win his House seat!

Rep. Lawler flipped NY-17 by ousting Sean Patrick Maloney, who led the DCCC — the Democrats' House campaign arm. It was one of the most striking upsets of the 2022 midterms in New York.

Topic poll · all networksShould Congress have acted sooner on AI safety warnings from tech leaders?

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Ohio's 2024 Senate race topped $100M in total spending!

The Sherrod Brown vs. Bernie Moreno contest ranked among the costliest Senate races in U.S. history. Outside groups poured in tens of millions, reflecting how pivotal Ohio was to control of the Senate.

Topic poll · all networksWhat's the biggest challenge facing House Democrats right now?

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Topic poll · all networksJurassic Park dethroned which film as the all-time box office champ in 1993?

  1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
  2. Star Wars
  3. Titanic
  4. Home Alone
Guess, then reveal the answer

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Iraq earns over $80 billion annually from oil exports!

Iraq holds the world's 5th-largest proven oil reserves. U.S.-Iraq economic ties — including energy contracts — are a key backdrop to today's White House meeting. Learn more at Wikipedia

Acting AG Blanche once personally defended Trump in two criminal trials.

Todd Blanche represented Trump in both the NY hush money trial and the federal classified documents case before being named Deputy AG — a rare leap from defense counsel to the nation's top law enforcement post.

Lindsey Graham deployed to Iraq while serving as a U.S. Senator!

Graham held the rank of Colonel in the Air Force Reserve JAG Corps. He made multiple trips to Iraq in a military capacity — one of the few sitting U.S. senators to serve in an active war zone.

Graham won Strom Thurmond's Senate seat in 2002!

Thurmond held the seat for 48 years and was the longest-serving U.S. senator ever. Graham first entered Congress in the 1994 'Republican Revolution' that flipped the House for the first time in 40 years.

Topic poll · all networksHakeem Jeffries made history in 2023 — what was his historic 'first'?

  1. First Black House party leader
  2. First NY rep to lead House Dems
  3. First Gen X House party leader
  4. First Brooklyn rep in leadership
Guess, then reveal the answer

First Black party leader in Congress

Sequoyah invented Cherokee writing without knowing any other language!

Around 1821, Sequoyah created the 85-character Cherokee syllabary entirely on his own. Within years, Cherokee literacy rates reportedly surpassed those of neighboring white settlers — a nearly unmatched feat in linguistic history.

Topic poll · all networksThe FAA's NextGen air traffic overhaul cost how much total?

  1. $2.5 billion
  2. $7.5 billion
  3. $14 billion
  4. $22 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$7.5 billion

Topic poll · all networksHow many people were injured in the 2018 Danforth Ave Toronto mass shooting?

  1. 6 injured
  2. 13 injured
  3. 19 injured
  4. 24 injured
Guess, then reveal the answer

13 injured

The DOJ has charged domestic terror conspiracies since the 1990s.

After the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing killed 168 people, the DOJ expanded federal conspiracy statutes to prosecute plotters before attacks occur. Charging co-conspirators remains the primary tool for disrupting coordinated violent threats.

Topic poll · all networksBefore politics, Sec. Duffy competed professionally in what sport?

  1. Lumberjack competitions
  2. Rodeo bull riding
  3. Competitive skiing
  4. Arm wrestling
Guess, then reveal the answer

Lumberjack competitions

Epstein's estate paid $121M+ to 150+ survivors via a compensation fund.

The Epstein Victims' Compensation Program distributed over $121M to 150+ claimants after his 2019 death. Many survivors rejected it, demanding public accountability and release of sealed files instead.

Topic poll · all networksWhat will most determine if the Act passes?

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Topic poll · all networksWhich change has hurt college sports the most?

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The FBI is leaving its iconic D.C. HQ after 50 years!

The J. Edgar Hoover Building on Pennsylvania Ave has housed the FBI since 1975. In 2023, the GSA chose Greenbelt, MD for a new FBI campus — the bureau's first purpose-built headquarters in half a century.

Topic poll · all networksShould Congress hold regular FBI performance hearings?

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The Senate drapes a fallen member's desk in black crepe.

Since the Civil War era, the Senate has honored deceased members by draping their desk in black crepe and placing a single white rose on top — a solemn tradition observed each time a sitting senator passes away.

Schumer claims Trump's family profited $4B+ from the presidency.

Senate Democrats' Anti-Corruption Working Group compiled the $4B+ figure from Trump business dealings, foreign payments, crypto ventures, and stock market activity since January 2025.

Topic poll · all networksWhich hits small family businesses hardest when tax breaks expire?

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Topic poll · all networksShould Congress hold an annual tribute for former members?

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Topic poll · all networksGeorge E. Johnson's company was the first Black-owned firm to sponsor what TV show?

  1. Soul Train
  2. The Ed Sullivan Show
  3. American Bandstand
  4. The Flip Wilson Show
Guess, then reveal the answer

Soul Train

Topic poll · all networksDo Hill hearings actually hold FBI directors accountable?

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The global AI market was valued at ~$196B in 2023.

By 2030, it's projected to surpass $1.8 trillion — making federal AI regulation decisions worth trillions in competitive advantage. That's why Senate Democrats are demanding classified briefings on unchecked AI risks.

Topic poll · all networksWhich team's drought makes this Wild Card series feel bigger?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next after new U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz?

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Family Senate appointments have rare but real precedent in U.S. history!

In 1978, Muriel Humphrey was appointed to fill her late husband Hubert Humphrey's Minnesota Senate seat. In 2001, Jean Carnahan was appointed to the Missouri seat her husband Mel won posthumously. Both served briefly before elections.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should matter most picking Graham's replacement?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat event directly caused the creation of ICE in 2003?

  1. The 9/11 attacks
  2. The Oklahoma City bombing
  3. The 1993 WTC bombing
  4. The Columbine shooting
Guess, then reveal the answer

The 9/11 attacks

The NCAA has spent over $1.5M lobbying Congress since 2021!

Since NIL rights opened in 2021, the NCAA and college sports interests have poured millions into lobbying fees. If the Protect College Sports Act dies Jan. 3, that spending resets — and the industry must fund an entirely new campaign next Congress.

Topic poll · all networksWhich era of FBI controversy damaged the bureau's credibility most?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for keeping FBI tech current?

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The FBI is legally mandated to pursue foreign influence threats.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 restructured the FBI, formally making national security its top priority — meaning credible Putin-linked compromise allegations aren't optional to investigate.

Toronto's 2012 Eaton Centre shooting set a key legal precedent.

Gunman Christopher Husbands fired into a food court crowd, killing 2. His case went through two trials — a 2014 manslaughter verdict was overturned, and he was convicted of second-degree murder in 2017, shaping how Canada prosecutes public mass shootings.

The Secret Service foils hundreds of White House threats each year

Threats against U.S. presidents have a long history — the Secret Service investigates thousands of cases annually. Read the full history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksShould college athletes share in the billions their sports generate?

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Topic poll · all networksBefore becoming Acting AG, Todd Blanche was Trump's what?

  1. Criminal defense attorney
  2. Campaign manager
  3. Chief of Staff
  4. Personal accountant
Guess, then reveal the answer

Criminal defense attorney

Congress hasn't formally declared war since June 1942!

The 1973 War Powers Resolution limits unauthorized military action to 60 days, requiring presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours. Senate Democrats have cited it amid growing concerns over potential U.S. action against Iran.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should the FBI focus on most in the years ahead?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many Epstein files does Rep. Massie say DOJ is still withholding?

  1. 500,000
  2. 1.2 million
  3. 3 million
  4. 10 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

3 million

Topic poll · all networksWhen was the U.S. Capitol last physically seized by a foreign force?

  1. War of 1812
  2. Civil War
  3. World War II
  4. Revolutionary War
Guess, then reveal the answer

War of 1812

Topic poll · all networksHow many House members belong to the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus?

  1. 18 members
  2. 36 members
  3. 64 members
  4. 102 members
Guess, then reveal the answer

64 members

Sen. Barrasso was an orthopedic surgeon for 25 years before the Senate!

Barrasso practiced medicine in Casper, WY before a 2007 special election sent him to Washington. He and Bill Frist are among the very few Senate Majority Leaders to hold an MD.

The Senate's oath of office has been unchanged since 1884!

Senators swear to 'support and defend the Constitution against all enemies.' The VP presides over each swearing-in. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhich college sports reform matters most to athletes?

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The FBI also failed to act on Larry Nassar abuse tips in 2015.

A 2022 DOJ Inspector General report found FBI agents delayed acting on Nassar abuse reports, during which ~70 more athletes were abused — the same accountability failure Epstein survivors are citing against the DOJ today.

Topic poll · all networksShould Congress use impeachment more to check Cabinet secretaries?

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Power Four college sports generated over $8B in revenue in 2022–23.

Despite billions flowing to schools and conferences, athletes historically received no direct share — until a landmark $2.8B House v. NCAA antitrust settlement in 2024 began changing that structure.

Americans spent ~$1,083/month more in 2023 than in 2021 for the same goods.

Moody's Analytics economist Mark Zandi calculated that cumulative inflation forced a typical U.S. household to spend roughly $1,083 more per month in 2023 versus 2021 — a key driver behind Democratic affordability messaging heading into 2026.

Topic poll · all networksWho took too long to protect college athletes' rights?

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Sam Neill publicly battled a rare blood cancer just two years ago!

In 2023, Neill revealed he'd been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, undergoing chemo while filming. He called it a "bump in the road." Read more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksShould the new college sports law cap athlete NIL earnings?

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Topic poll · all networksAfter Patel testifies, what's the most likely outcome for the FBI?

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Topic poll · all networksWhich past tech regulation should be Congress's AI blueprint?

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Hegseth earned the Combat Infantryman Badge in 3 deployments.

Before leading the Pentagon, Hegseth served at Guantanamo Bay, in Iraq, and in Afghanistan as an Army National Guard infantry officer — rare combat credentials for a Defense Secretary.

The U.S. last struck Iran directly in 1988's Operation Praying Mantis.

On April 18, 1988, the U.S. Navy sank or disabled half of Iran's operational fleet in one day — the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII — after Iran mined international waters.

Topic poll · all networksShould FEMA stay federal or shift power to states?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat is the Supreme Court's approximate annual budget?

  1. About $50 million
  2. About $100 million
  3. About $500 million
  4. About $1 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

About $100 million

Trump's Stargate AI project pledged $500B in U.S. investment!

Announced in Jan. 2025, the Stargate initiative — backed by OpenAI, SoftBank & Oracle — aims to build AI data centers across the U.S. It's one of the largest single tech investment commitments in American history.

Topic poll · all networksWho's most responsible for the mess in college sports?

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The Senate oath has been revised only once — after the Civil War!

The current Senate oath, adopted in 1884, traces back to 1862's 'Ironclad Oath' requiring loyalty during the Civil War. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat post did Lindsey Graham leave the Senate to take?

  1. Secretary of State
  2. Attorney General
  3. Secretary of Defense
  4. UN Ambassador
Guess, then reveal the answer

Secretary of State

Topic poll · all networksWhich Senate committee has primary oversight of the FBI?

  1. Senate Judiciary Committee
  2. Senate Intelligence Committee
  3. Senate Homeland Security Committee
  4. Senate Armed Services Committee
Guess, then reveal the answer

Senate Judiciary Committee

Topic poll · all networksWhat will Senate Republicans actually do after this press conference?

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College athletes can't sue the NCAA — even for serious injuries.

Unlike most U.S. workers, college athletes have no 'private right of action' — meaning they can't take the NCAA or their school to court over rights violations. The Protect College Sports Act aims to change that.

Topic poll · all networksWhat will most determine if the college sports bill becomes law?

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The Pentagon controls ~$850B — the largest discretionary U.S. budget.

The DoD's FY2025 budget request was $849.8B — more than the next 10 largest military budgets in the world combined. That's the office at the center of the Hegseth confirmation and impeachment fight.

U.S. Olympic rowing is heavily built on college programs.

Over 80% of U.S. Olympic rowers since 2000 competed collegiately first. College rowing is one of the few Olympic sports where NCAA programs serve as the primary national development pathway.

Topic poll · all networksWhich of Jeffries' 5 priorities will get funded first?

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Warner Bros. was part of the disastrous $165B AOL merger in 2001!

The AOL-Time Warner deal — then the largest merger in U.S. history — destroyed nearly $200B in shareholder value within two years. It's now a textbook example of why regulators scrutinize mega-mergers so closely.

Topic poll · all networksHow many total years did Lindsey Graham serve in the U.S. Congress?

  1. 15 years
  2. 20 years
  3. 25 years
  4. 30 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

30 years

Maine is the only U.S. state with a 'yellow flag' gun law.

Unlike 'red flag' laws in 21+ states — letting courts remove firearms directly — Maine's 1999 'yellow flag' law requires police to first obtain a physician's mental health declaration before acting, a slower two-step process.

Lindsey Graham has served in Congress for over 30 years!

Graham was first elected to the House in 1994 as part of the Republican Revolution, then won his Senate seat in 2002. He also served as a JAG officer in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Colonel.

Topic poll · all networksHow many years did J. Edgar Hoover serve as FBI Director?

  1. 22 years
  2. 37 years
  3. 48 years
  4. 55 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

48 years

Topic poll · all networksIn MLB's Wild Card round, how many wins does a sweep take?

  1. 2 wins
  2. 3 wins
  3. 4 wins
  4. 5 wins
Guess, then reveal the answer

2 wins

NFIB calls making the pass-through deduction permanent its top ask.

The National Federation of Independent Business, representing 300,000+ small firms, warns that letting Section 199A expire would be the largest tax increase on small businesses in U.S. history.

Governors can appoint replacements when a Senate seat goes vacant!

The 17th Amendment allows governors to fill vacant Senate seats by appointment until a special election. SC Gov. McMaster tapped Graham's sister for the role. Learn more at Wikipedia

The DOJ has charged multiple Iran-linked plots targeting U.S. officials.

Since 2011, the DOJ has publicly charged Iranian operatives in at least 4 assassination plots on U.S. soil, including a 2011 scheme to kill the Saudi ambassador in Washington, D.C. using a Mexican cartel hitman.

Lisa Murkowski's dad appointed her to the Senate in 2002!

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski appointed his daughter Lisa to fill his own Senate seat when he became governor — making her one of very few U.S. senators ever appointed to office by a parent.

Topic poll · all networksSen. Graham retired from the Air Force Reserve at what rank?

  1. Colonel
  2. Brigadier General
  3. Lieutenant Colonel
  4. Major General
Guess, then reveal the answer

Colonel

Topic poll · all networksHow many NCAA student-athletes could a college sports bill affect?

  1. About 180,000
  2. About 350,000
  3. About 520,000
  4. About 900,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 520,000

Topic poll · all networksIf AI safety warnings are ignored, who suffers most?

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Topic poll · all networksShould fossil fuel money shape Trump's energy policy?

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Johnson Products was the 1st Black-owned firm on AMEX in 1971!

George E. Johnson founded Johnson Products in 1954 with $250 and a $500 loan. By 1971, his Chicago-based hair care company became the first Black-owned business listed on the American Stock Exchange.

Topic poll · all networksRoughly how many special agents does the FBI employ?

  1. ~8,000 agents
  2. ~13,000 agents
  3. ~20,000 agents
  4. ~35,000 agents
Guess, then reveal the answer

~13,000 agents

Topic poll · all networksWhat should be the top priority after Sen. Graham's sudden death?

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After Katrina, Congress overhauled FEMA with a landmark 2006 law.

The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act gave FEMA's administrator direct Cabinet access and boosted pre-disaster preparedness funding — changes still shaping disaster roundtables today.

Kash Patel was confirmed as FBI Director by just 2 votes!

The Senate voted 51-49 in Feb. 2025 to confirm Patel — one of the narrowest FBI Director confirmations ever. He now oversees ~35,000 employees and a budget exceeding $10 billion annually.

Topic poll · all networksHow much did 'Jurassic Park' gross worldwide on its original 1993 release?

  1. $357 million
  2. $528 million
  3. $912 million
  4. $1.03 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$1.03 billion

Graham became his sister's legal guardian at just 22!

Both of Graham's parents died within a year of each other while he was in college. At 22, he took legal guardianship of his 13-year-old sister Darline, raising her while finishing school.

Lindsey Graham retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Colonel in 2015.

Graham served as a JAG officer for over 30 years and deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan while serving as a U.S. Senator — making him one of the few sitting senators to serve in active war zones.

Topic poll · all networksIn 1954, gunmen opened fire inside the Capitol. Where were they from?

  1. Puerto Rico
  2. Cuba
  3. East Germany
  4. Mexico
Guess, then reveal the answer

Puerto Rico

Open-seat elections often flip party control of the White House!

Since 1952, when no incumbent runs, the opposing party has won 6 of 9 times. With Trump term-limited, 2028 is wide open. Read more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last fight Iran in a large naval battle?

  1. 1953
  2. 1980
  3. 1988
  4. 2003
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988

Before targeting Trump, Jack Smith prosecuted war crimes at The Hague!

Smith served as acting chief of the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, then joined the ICC in The Hague from 2011–2015, prosecuting war crimes before being tapped as Special Counsel in 2022.

Lindsey Graham served as a military lawyer before politics!

Graham was a JAG Corps officer in the U.S. Air Force, rising to Colonel in the Reserves. His military career shaped his hawkish foreign policy views. Learn more at Wikipedia

The UICC is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization from Central Asia.

The Union of Islamic Courts & related Uzbek extremist groups have been on U.S. terror watch lists for years. Get background on designated terror groups at Wikipedia

The FBI's budget has tripled since 9/11, topping $10B today.

Before 9/11, the FBI ran on ~$3.3B/year. Congress tripled that for counterterrorism after 2001. Budget debates between the Bureau and Capitol Hill have been a constant feature of oversight hearings ever since.

Topic poll · all networksWhat record tenure prompted Congress to cap FBI director terms?

  1. 37 years
  2. 48 years
  3. 29 years
  4. 55 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

48 years

A failed 1980 Iran rescue mission cost ~$1B in today's dollars.

Operation Eagle Claw sent 8 helicopters and 6 C-130s into Iran to rescue 52 U.S. hostages. It collapsed when 3 helicopters malfunctioned; a crash killed 8 servicemen — and the mission cost ~$400M in 1980 dollars.

West Virginia has NO major pro sports teams — college IS the big league!

WV is one of only a handful of U.S. states with no NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL franchise. For Mountaineers fans, WVU athletics fills that void — making federal college sports protections especially high-stakes for Sen. Capito's constituents.

College sports revenue sharing could hit $20.5M per school yearly.

The House v. NCAA settlement set ~$20.5M in annual revenue sharing per school. The Protect College Sports Act aims to codify these payments — and exempt them from scholarship and financial aid caps.

Jean Carnahan was appointed to the Senate after her husband won posthumously!

In 2000, Missouri Gov. Roger Wilson appointed Jean Carnahan to the Senate seat her husband Mel had just won — despite dying in a plane crash 3 weeks before Election Day. She served until 2002.

Topic poll · all networksHow many active-duty U.S. troops does Hegseth now lead?

  1. About 750,000
  2. About 1.3 million
  3. About 2.1 million
  4. About 3.5 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 1.3 million

Topic poll · all networksWhat will result from Trump's meeting with Iraq's PM?

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2028 will be the first back-to-back open-seat election since 1952!

With no incumbent running in 2024 (Biden stepped aside) and Trump term-limited after 2028, two consecutive elections lack an incumbent — last seen when Truman declined to run in 1952.

Topic poll · all networksHow many years did Lindsey Graham serve in the Air Force Reserve?

  1. 8 years
  2. 16 years
  3. 24 years
  4. 33 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

33 years

Jack Smith's probe cost ~$50M — Ken Starr's cost ~$70M in the 1990s.

Special counsel investigations carry steep price tags. Robert Mueller's Trump-Russia probe cost ~$32M (2017-2019). Ken Starr's Clinton probe hit ~$70M over 4+ years. Smith's office spent ~$50M across two Trump cases before closing in Jan. 2025.

Topic poll · all networksHow many House managers prosecuted Clinton's Senate impeachment trial?

  1. 7
  2. 13
  3. 17
  4. 21
Guess, then reveal the answer

13

In 1988, the U.S. fought its largest naval battle since WWII — against Iran.

Operation Praying Mantis launched after Iran mined the Persian Gulf, damaging the USS Samuel B. Roberts. In one day, the U.S. Navy sank or disabled 6 Iranian vessels and destroyed two oil platforms.

Topic poll · all networksWhich U.S. grid region pays most for fossil fuel pricing?

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The U.S. has struck Iranian forces in the Gulf before — in 1988.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. The U.S. sank or damaged 6 Iranian vessels after Iran mined international waters, wounding 65 American sailors.

Topic poll · all networksWhat % of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 10%
  3. About 20%
  4. About 35%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

Trump revoked Biden's AI Safety Executive Order on Day 1 of his 2nd term!

Biden's Oct. 2023 order required AI firms to share safety test results with the U.S. government before public release. Trump called it a barrier to innovation and rescinded it on Jan. 20, 2025.

Topic poll · all networksHow many times has the U.S. Senate chamber been evacuated due to a security threat?

  1. Once
  2. Twice
  3. Three times
  4. Five or more times
Guess, then reveal the answer

Five or more times

Massie is one of Congress's most frequent solo 'No' voters.

Massie has repeatedly been the sole 'No' vote on major bills — including voting alone against a 2022 bill honoring the Capitol Police. His independent streak makes his impeachment push notable: he rarely seeks allies.

Graham raised his sister Darline after both parents died in 1977!

When Lindsey Graham was ~21, his parents died within a year of each other. He became legal guardian of his 13-year-old sister Darline — the same woman now appointed to finish his Senate term.

Topic poll · all networksHow many U.S. Supreme Court Justices have ever been impeached?

  1. None — it has never happened
  2. Only 1, and he was acquitted
  3. 3, all in the 1800s
  4. 5, spanning two centuries
Guess, then reveal the answer

Only 1, and he was acquitted

Topic poll · all networksHow much will the new FBI headquarters in Maryland cost to build?

  1. ~$900 million
  2. ~$1.7 billion
  3. ~$3.5 billion
  4. ~$6.2 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

~$3.5 billion

Topic poll · all networksSchumer claims Trump made $4B from office. Will Congress act?

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Topic poll · all networksCongress capped FBI Director terms at 10 yrs after whose 48-year reign?

  1. J. Edgar Hoover
  2. William Sullivan
  3. Clyde Tolson
  4. Louis Freeh
Guess, then reveal the answer

J. Edgar Hoover

Topic poll · all networksThe Protect College Sports Act targets rules under which 1890 law?

  1. Sherman Antitrust Act
  2. Clayton Antitrust Act
  3. Federal Trade Act
  4. Wagner Labor Act
Guess, then reveal the answer

Sherman Antitrust Act

Van Hollen became the 1st U.S. senator to visit El Salvador's CECOT prison!

In April 2025, Van Hollen flew to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported there despite a court order. The Supreme Court had already ruled the administration must facilitate his return.

Graham raised his younger sister after both parents died young.

When Graham was 21, his father died; his mother followed shortly after. Rather than let his sister Darline enter foster care, he became her legal guardian — a responsibility he later said shaped his entire outlook on life.

Federal conspiracy to commit murder charges can carry life sentences.

When the DOJ charges suspects in a coordinated attack plot, federal conspiracy statutes allow prosecution even if the attack never occurred. Learn more at Wikipedia

Kash Patel is the first FBI Director with a public defender past!

Most FBI directors, including Mueller and Comey, built careers as federal prosecutors. Patel defended clients in Miami before joining the DOJ — a stark break from the typical law enforcement pipeline.

The FBI Director oversees 56 field offices across the U.S.

Those 56 offices span all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with roughly 35,000 employees and a $10.8B annual budget — the full scope of what Congress is holding accountable today.

Ways & Means is the oldest standing committee in Congress!

Established in 1789 — the same year George Washington took office — the House Ways & Means Committee has jurisdiction over all tax legislation, making it the natural home for small business tax debates like today's hearing.

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Graham once called Trump a 'race-baiting, xenophobic bigot!'

In 2015, Sen. Graham called Trump 'unfit for office' and a 'race-baiting, xenophobic bigot.' By 2019, he had become one of Trump's closest Senate allies and a frequent golf partner.

Congress first tried to regulate AI back in 2017!

Rep. John Delaney introduced the Future of Artificial Intelligence Act in 2017 — one of the first federal AI bills ever filed. Nearly 8 years later, Congress is still debating how to govern the technology.

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  2. 4
  3. 7
  4. 11
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4

In 1988, the U.S. sank half of Iran's operational navy in one day.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. The U.S. destroyed 2 Iranian oil platforms and sank or damaged 6 Iranian vessels in under 8 hours.

Governors have filled Senate vacancies since the 17th Amendment!

Ratified in 1913, the 17th Amendment allows governors to appoint interim senators when a seat opens. Learn more at Wikipedia

A 1956 mid-air crash over the Grand Canyon created the FAA!

Two airliners collided over the Grand Canyon, killing 128. The disaster exposed gaps in U.S. air traffic control and pushed Congress to pass the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 — launching the first nationwide ATC modernization.

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