A Republican bill, the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), is moving forward in the Senate, aiming to ban pornography federally. The bill, championed by Senator Mike Lee, redefines obscenity by removing the “community standards” benchmark and labeling all pornographic content as illegal, contrary to the current Miller Test established in 1973. This effort aligns with Project 2025, a conservative document advocating for a ban on pornography and equating it with transgender ideology and the sexualization of children. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts, this is the third time the IODA has been introduced, though its passage remains uncertain.
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Senator Mike Lee’s Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), which seeks to criminalize all pornography, has moved to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill redefines “obscenity” and could potentially criminalize content that appeals to prurient interests. Critics have raised concerns that the broad definition could encompass various media and have unintended consequences, including impacting adult content creators and even seemingly innocuous media. The bill is similar to a proposed pornography ban outlined in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025.
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Amidst the debate on the Republican budget reconciliation package, Senator Mike Lee has reintroduced a proposal to sell off public lands, despite previous blocks from the Senate Parliamentarian. Critics like Senator Ron Wyden and the Sierra Club argue that this move, which could be voted on as early as Saturday, aims to benefit the wealthy at the expense of public lands. Although Lee’s amended proposal narrows the scope, reducing the acreage for sale, it is still facing strong opposition from Democrats, environmental groups, and even some Republicans who view it as a “poison pill.” The proposed legislation includes new fees for renewable energy projects and reduced royalty rates for fossil fuels.
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Utah Senator Mike Lee withdrew his proposal to sell millions of acres of public land due to insurmountable opposition. The provision, a part of the federal budget bill, would have facilitated the sale of BLM land in 11 Western states to offset tax cuts and royalty rebates. Widespread criticism from conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and even members of his own party, along with concerns about foreign interests potentially acquiring the land, led to the bill’s demise. Senate leadership removed the land-sale language to ensure the budget bill’s passage, which included tax cuts and cuts to social programs.
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Following a two-day NATO summit, Senator Mike Lee introduced the “Not A Trusted Organization (NATO) Act,” aiming to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance, citing its irrelevance and burden on American taxpayers. The act would direct President Trump to formally notify the North Atlantic Council of the U.S.’s withdrawal. This bill faces challenges due to previous bipartisan efforts to prevent unilateral withdrawal, and Trump has also expressed support for the alliance and its defense spending. The proposed legislation and the evolving stance of key figures signal a potential shift in U.S. policy regarding European security commitments.
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The Senate parliamentarian has blocked a Republican plan to sell over 3,200 square miles of federal land, a proposal by Senator Mike Lee intended to generate revenue and spur development by transferring public lands to states or other entities. This plan faced opposition from within the Republican party, as well as Democrats and environmental groups, who argue it would harm clean water, wildlife, and public recreation. Senator Lee plans to revise the proposal, potentially limiting sales to land near population centers. The proposal and its opposition highlight a continued debate over the control and use of public lands in the West.
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Senator Mike Lee’s proposal to include the sale of two million acres of public land in a spending bill sparked immediate online criticism. Lee defended his plan by urging a rejection of Marxist ideologies and an embrace of private land ownership, drawing comparisons between public land management and communism. This prompted widespread mockery and condemnation, with critics pointing out the bipartisan opposition to the proposal and its apparent contradiction to the conservationist legacy of Theodore Roosevelt. The plan, despite Lee’s assurances, could affect millions of acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service.
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Senator Mike Lee’s proposed bill, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” would mandate the sale of 2.2 to 3.3 million acres of public land in the American West to supposedly fund affordable housing. The proposal has faced significant bipartisan opposition, with critics questioning its effectiveness in addressing the housing crisis and expressing concerns about the loss of public access to these lands. A map released by The Wilderness Society highlighted the potential scope of land sales, prompting Lee to label it misleading, while the Society defended its accuracy. This plan has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, environmental groups, and the public.
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Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show” monologue heavily criticized Senator Mike Lee’s insensitive X posts regarding the Minnesota shooting deaths. Stewart highlighted Lee’s glib commentary, including a “Nightmare on Waltz Street” reference, juxtaposing it with the senator’s past dismissive behavior towards 9/11 first responders. The comedian questioned Lee’s prioritization of partisan political points over the tragic loss of life, drawing a sharp contrast between the resources dedicated to immigration enforcement and the lack of attention to domestic gun violence. Other commentators, including Pat Bagley and David Simon, also condemned Lee’s remarks. Lee subsequently deleted some, but not all, of the controversial posts and has yet to issue an apology.
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Senator Mike Lee deleted three tweets mocking the Minnesota shooting that killed a state lawmaker and her spouse. These posts, which included a photo of the alleged shooter and unfounded claims linking the shooting to Marxism, drew widespread condemnation. Following criticism from Senator Tina Smith and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Lee removed the offensive content. No statement was released by Lee’s office regarding the incident.
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John Q. Hosedrinker