# Congressional Hearings on The No Agenda Show Congressional Hearings comes up in 19 chapters across 19 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2009 to June 2022. - **Chapters:** 19 - **Episodes:** 19 - **Discussed:** November 2009 – June 2022 - **Related topics:** [Irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [C-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [Jason Chaffetz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-chaffetz.md), [Al Sharpton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-sharpton.md), [American Citizen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-citizen.md), [Anwar Al-awlaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anwar-al-awlaki.md), [Apology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apology.md), [Autism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autism.md), [Banana Republic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banana-republic.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md) ## Chapters 1–19 of 19 ### January 6th Committee Hearings, Scripting and Television Production - **Episode:** [1460: Wet-Bulb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1460-wet-bulb.md) - **Published:** 2022-06-16 - **Time:** 14:18–20:42 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1460-wet-bulb/chapter/january-6th-committee-hearings-scripting-and-television-production.md The January 6th committee hearings are analyzed as a scripted television production that suffered from a drop in ratings. The cancellation of specific hearing dates is attributed to potential rewrites or witness availability issues. The pacing and delivery of testimony in congressional hearings are criticized for being poor television, with suggestions that the committee should use modern cable news visual techniques like lower thirds and sound effects. Keywords: [january 6th committee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/january-6th-committee.md), [television ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-ratings.md), [congressional hearings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearings.md), [ron bloom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-bloom.md), [cable news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cable-news.md) ### The Dude Named Ben IT Meme Origin - **Episode:** [1324: Yak Yak Vax](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1324-yak-yak-vax.md) - **Published:** 2021-02-25 - **Time:** 1:40:54–1:45:38 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1324-yak-yak-vax/chapter/the-dude-named-ben-it-meme-origin.md The hosts attempt to track down the origin of the "Dude Named Ben" meme, which stems from a congressional hearing involving Jason Chaffetz and Lois Lerner. The phrase refers to an unidentified IT staffer allegedly involved in deleting IRS emails, which has since become a recurring joke on the show. Keywords: [jason chaffetz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-chaffetz.md), [lois lerner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lois-lerner.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), it department, [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Tucker Carlson, Al Sharpton Congressional Testimony - **Episode:** [1175: Son of a Biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1175-son-of-a-biden.md) - **Published:** 2019-11-28 - **Time:** 1:48:47–1:52:26 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1175-son-of-a-biden/chapter/tucker-carlson-al-sharpton-congressional-testimony.md The hosts critique Tucker Carlson's coverage of Al Sharpton's testimony before Congress. While Carlson mocked Sharpton as a "racial demagogue," the hosts argue that Sharpton actually outperformed Representative Matt Gaetz during the questioning, maintaining his composure and the upper hand. Keywords: [tucker carson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tucker-carson.md), [al sharpton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-sharpton.md), [matt gaetz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matt-gaetz.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### DHS Screening Coordination, Visa Waivers and Congressional Oversight - **Episode:** [781: Gun Disease](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/781-gun-disease.md) - **Published:** 2015-12-13 - **Time:** 2:16:42–2:24:54 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/781-gun-disease/chapter/dhs-screening-coordination-visa-waivers-and-congressional-oversight.md A Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security faced intense questioning from a congressional committee regarding refugee numbers and visa waiver overstays. The official was unable to provide specific statistics, leading to sharp criticism of the agency's coordination and transparency. Keywords: [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), [visa waiver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/visa-waiver.md), [syrian refugees](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syrian-refugees.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md) ### Planned Parenthood Congressional Hearings and Thomas Sowell - **Episode:** [755: iPope](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/755-ipope.md) - **Published:** 2015-09-10 - **Time:** 2:41:29–2:46:19 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/755-ipope/chapter/planned-parenthood-congressional-hearings-and-thomas-sowell.md Representative Trent Franks provided graphic testimony during congressional hearings on Planned Parenthood funding, describing the procurement of fetal brains. Additionally, conservative intellectual Thomas Sowell appeared on Hannity and used the phrase "no lives really matter" in a discussion on logic and power. Keywords: [planned parenthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-parenthood.md), [trent franks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trent-franks.md), [congressional hearings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearings.md), [thomas sowell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thomas-sowell.md), [hannity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hannity.md) ### IRS IT Staff Disrespect, "Dude Named Ben" - **Episode:** [629: Passport Terrorists!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/629-passport-terrorists.md) - **Published:** 2014-06-28 - **Time:** 42:27–45:42 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/629-passport-terrorists/chapter/irs-it-staff-disrespect-dude-named-ben.md During a House hearing, a former White House attorney's inability to remember the names of IT staff she worked with at the IRS drew criticism. Referring to a technician only as "a dude named Ben," the testimony sparked a discussion about the lack of respect for sysadmins and IT professionals within government agencies. Representative Jason Chaffetz questioned the witness's professional interactions during her six-month tenure. Keywords: [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [it professionals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/it-professionals.md), [jason chaffetz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-chaffetz.md), [sysadmin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sysadmin.md), ben, [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Chuck Hagel, Congressional Testimony on Bergdahl Recovery - **Episode:** [625: Touching the Stick](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/625-touching-the-stick.md) - **Published:** 2014-06-12 - **Time:** 12:56–18:02 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/625-touching-the-stick/chapter/chuck-hagel-congressional-testimony-on-bergdahl-recovery.md Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel faces intense questioning during a congressional hearing regarding why Bowe Bergdahl has not yet returned to the United States. Lawmakers compare Bergdahl's recovery timeline in Landstuhl, Germany, to that of Jessica Lynch and other wounded service members. Hagel maintains that medical professionals are determining when Bergdahl is stable enough to move to San Antonio for the next phase of reintegration. Keywords: [chuck hagel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chuck-hagel.md), landstuhl, [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), jessica lynch, [san antonio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-antonio.md), [prisoner exchange](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prisoner-exchange.md) ### Healthcare.gov Congressional Testimony, Monkey Court Comment - **Episode:** [560: Hornet's Nest](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/560-hornet-s-nest.md) - **Published:** 2013-10-27 - **Time:** 30:01–32:24 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/560-hornet-s-nest/chapter/healthcare-gov-congressional-testimony-monkey-court-comment.md A clip from a congressional hearing regarding the failed launch of Healthcare.gov features an Illinois representative referring to the proceedings as a "monkey court." The hosts analyze the representative's choice of words and compare the term to "kangaroo court" or "banana republic." Keywords: [healthcare.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-gov.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), monkey court, [illinois](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/illinois.md), [banana republic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banana-republic.md), surfers ### Mike Kelly IRS Hearing Rant - **Episode:** [514: Patriotic Printer](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/514-patriotic-printer.md) - **Published:** 2013-05-19 - **Time:** 1:46:27–1:50:37 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/514-patriotic-printer/chapter/mike-kelly-irs-hearing-rant.md A clip of Representative Mike Kelly berating outgoing IRS officials during a congressional hearing is played. Kelly expresses outrage over the agency's "shoddy" management and the intimidation of American citizens. The hosts suggest that while the rant received a round of applause, it may ultimately serve as a distraction or a way to justify a massive overhaul and expansion of the IRS. Keywords: [mike kelly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-kelly.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [tax law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-law.md), [intimidation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intimidation.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Congressional Autism Hearings, Pharmaceutical Industry Influence - **Episode:** [467: Red Washcloth](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/467-red-washcloth.md) - **Published:** 2012-12-06 - **Time:** 39:53–43:42 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/467-red-washcloth/chapter/congressional-autism-hearings-pharmaceutical-industry-influence.md A listener request prompts a discussion on recent congressional hearings regarding autism. The hosts argue that the medical industry and pharmaceutical companies influence these hearings to promote drug prescriptions for children. They reference the DSM-5 and the "Thinking Moms' Revolution" book as part of the broader conversation on autism advocacy and medicalization. Keywords: [autism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autism.md), [dsm-5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dsm-5.md), [pharmaceutical companies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-companies.md), [congressional hearings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearings.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md) ### Anwar al-Awlaki, FBI Warrant Omission - **Episode:** [432: Felonious Bears](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/432-felonious-bears.md) - **Published:** 2012-08-05 - **Time:** 2:21:01–2:26:29 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/432-felonious-bears/chapter/anwar-al-awlaki-fbi-warrant-omission.md A congressional hearing revealed that the FBI dropped an outstanding arrest warrant for Anwar al-Awlaki in 2002, allowing him to remain free before he was eventually killed in a U.S. drone strike. The hosts discuss the implications of the government killing an American citizen without trial. They suggest that al-Awlaki may have been a double agent or part of a staged extraction. Keywords: [anwar al-awlaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anwar-al-awlaki.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), warrant, [drone strike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone-strike.md), [american citizen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-citizen.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Agent Brian Terry, Remorse, and Congressional Filibustering - **Episode:** [364: Katy Bar The Door, Baby!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/364-katy-bar-the-door-baby.md) - **Published:** 2011-12-11 - **Time:** 51:01–53:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/364-katy-bar-the-door-baby/chapter/agent-brian-terry-remorse-and-congressional-filibustering.md During the hearing, Eric Holder is pressed on whether he has personally apologized to the family of fallen Agent Brian Terry. Holder claims to have had "contact" with the family but refuses to disclose the nature of the interaction in a public setting. The hosts describe his lengthy, repetitive responses as a filibuster designed to avoid a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Keywords: [brian terry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-terry.md), remorse, [apology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apology.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), [filibuster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/filibuster.md) ### Eric Holder Congressional Hearings and Fast and Furious - **Episode:** [355: Flying Antenna](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/355-flying-antenna.md) - **Published:** 2011-11-10 - **Time:** 10:17–11:52 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/355-flying-antenna/chapter/eric-holder-congressional-hearings-and-fast-and-furious.md John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry discuss the recent congressional hearings involving Attorney General Eric Holder. Dvorak expresses disappointment in the proceedings, while Curry highlights specific moments where Holder refused to apologize for Department of Justice actions. They prepare to review clips of the testimony regarding the Fast and Furious gun-walking scandal. Keywords: [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md), [fast and furious](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fast-and-furious.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Rick Santorum, Google Frothy Mix Problem - **Episode:** [341: Selling the Monet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet.md) - **Published:** 2011-09-22 - **Time:** 2:30:26–2:31:48 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/341-selling-the-monet/chapter/rick-santorum-google-frothy-mix-problem.md Rick Santorum reportedly contacted Google to request the removal of a derogatory definition associated with his name in search results. Google refused to intervene, citing its policy against manual search manipulation. The hosts argue that Santorum is too "wimpy" to handle the situation and should have used his political platform to threaten Google with congressional hearings to force a change. Keywords: [rick santorum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-santorum.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [search results](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/search-results.md), [dan savage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dan-savage.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### John Mica Criticizes TSA Bureaucracy in Congressional Hearings - **Episode:** [321: Internet in a Suitcase](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/321-internet-in-a-suitcase.md) - **Published:** 2011-07-14 - **Time:** 1:09:14–1:14:13 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/321-internet-in-a-suitcase/chapter/john-mica-criticizes-tsa-bureaucracy-in-congressional-hearings.md Representative John Mica, a founding architect of the TSA, criticized the agency during congressional hearings for becoming an "unthinking, non-risk-based bureaucracy." Mica expressed frustration over the TSA's refusal to send senior leadership to testify, threatening to subpoena appropriate personnel. The discussion highlights the agency's reliance on expensive body scanners over more effective methods like security dogs. Keywords: [john mica](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mica.md), [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), john pistol, [subpoena](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subpoena.md) ### Obama's Reversal on General Petraeus and the Surge - **Episode:** [214: MAFIFA](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/214-mafifa.md) - **Published:** 2010-07-04 - **Time:** 1:35:09–1:38:30 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/214-mafifa/chapter/obama-s-reversal-on-general-petraeus-and-the-surge.md Archival audio from a congressional hearing shows then-Senator Barack Obama lecturing General David Petraeus and questioning the effectiveness of the Iraq war surge. This is contrasted with the President's current reliance on Petraeus, highlighting the political theater involved in military leadership transitions. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [david petraeus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-petraeus.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), the surge, [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Congressman Ed Markey, Oil Response Plans - **Episode:** [209: Escrow Schmeshcrow](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/209-escrow-schmeshcrow.md) - **Published:** 2010-06-17 - **Time:** 51:35–55:24 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/209-escrow-schmeshcrow/chapter/congressman-ed-markey-oil-response-plans.md Congressman Ed Markey reveals during hearings that the emergency response plans submitted by major oil companies were virtually identical, including references to protecting walruses in the Gulf of Mexico. The hosts point out the hypocrisy of the government blaming companies for plans that the government itself approved without reading. Keywords: [ed markey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ed-markey.md), [bp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bp.md), [halliburton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halliburton.md), [gulf of mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gulf-of-mexico.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md) ### Sarah Palin, Jay Leno Stand-up, Comcast NBC Merger - **Episode:** [182: Magnets In Space](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/182-magnets-in-space.md) - **Published:** 2010-03-14 - **Time:** 4:22–5:54 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/182-magnets-in-space/chapter/sarah-palin-jay-leno-stand-up-comcast-nbc-merger.md Sarah Palin recently performed a stand-up comedy routine on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which some suggest was a response to criticisms regarding her sense of humor. Additionally, the hosts review recent congressional hearings concerning the Comcast acquisition of NBC. They note the friendly nature of the proceedings and express concern over the consolidation of media control. Keywords: [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [jay leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [congressional hearings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearings.md) ### Fort Hood Investigation and Lack of Witnesses - **Episode:** [149: Fools Gold](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold.md) - **Published:** 2009-11-19 - **Time:** 1:27:48–1:30:09 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/fort-hood-investigation-and-lack-of-witnesses.md The first congressional hearing regarding the Fort Hood shooting will reportedly not include testimony from any federal law enforcement or military officials who were present during the attack. The Obama administration has declined to provide these witnesses, leading to accusations of a cover-up regarding the details of the event. The discussion notes significant discrepancies in the official narrative, including the number of shooters and the type of weapons used. Keywords: [fort hood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-hood.md), [nidal hasan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nidal-hasan.md), [obama administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama-administration.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)