Yesterday, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing related to the nation’s use of military forces. The hearing included testimonies about the law of armed conflict as well as the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. The war authorization was passed after 9/11 and allows the President to put military forces anywhere. As you can imagine, this power outraged many policy makers, especially those committed to bringing all troops back home. 

Earlier this week, President Obama nominated Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx to become Secretary of the Department of Transportation. As the President solidifies his second-term cabinet, transportation policy comes to the forefront.

Senator Joel Anderson’s new bill hopes to revitalize the death penalty in California. One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is the proposal for gas chambers to be included in their death penalty system. This will allow California to be the only place globally to use suffocation as a form of criminal punishment.

On Wednesday, progress for gun control in America was challenged by the defeat of a bipartisan bill. The bill between Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) sought to expand the national background check system for gun ownership. Despite the support from Republican and Democrat lawmakers and the impact of gun-related tragedies, politics held precedence over American people. Experts provide perspectives on the defeat of the gun control legislation.

Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) brought attention to social security when he criticized President Obama’s budget proposal on Wednesday. President Obama’s budget seeks to lower cost-of-living increases for those who receive social security. Some lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, were outraged by the cuts between $200 billion and $380 billion on social security. While others like House Speaker John Boehner believes the President is taking necessary steps to help the nation. This week, experts weigh in on the importance of social security and whether or not these cuts will benefit our country.

North Korea had the attention of Americans after threatening to bomb several U.S. cities. Kim Jong Un, North Korean ruler, announced his potential attack on the U.S. after the deployment of U.S. battalion in South Korea, a known adversary of North Korea. Some Americans laughed at the young ruler, while other panicked at the thought of an attack. As North Korea continues to be the topic of conversation this week, let’s see what experts have written on the subject.

This week the Supreme Court heard arguments in cases related to marriage equality. The two cases separately examine Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)-- laws that prevent the LGBT community from freely marrying. As this topic gained national attention this week experts offer their opinion on whether or not everyone should have the right to marry.

The Cyber Intelligence Sharing Protection Act (CISPA) is currently under review in the House Intelligence Committee. This bill will determine if private companies can share information with the federal government regarding cyber threats.

Earlier this month, President Obama announced Gina McCarthy as the new administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency and Ernez Moniz as the Secretary of the Department of Energy. These nominations are only a catalyst for a stronger focus on environmental-related policy this term.

As the nation sees improvements in the housing industry, some have noticed communities of color left out. The monitor for the 2009 fair housing settlement in Westchester is currently studying data to determine if the county’s zones excludes Blacks and Hispanics.