Senator Elissa Slotkin's Weekly Intel Briefing

In a recent weekly intelligence briefing, Senator Elissa Slotkin outlined three major issues developing in Washington that she believes have significant implications for Americans' economic security, national security, and democracy.

One central topic discussed was the evolving story surrounding tariffs. The Senator noted that the administration has created a "marketplace" for deals and relief from tariffs, leading countries and industries worldwide and within the U.S. to seek access to the White House for special arrangements. This approach is described as "haphazard," lacking "rhyme or reason" other than who can gain access to the White House. This has already resulted in indicators like slowing orders, shipping, and trucking, suggesting industry uncertainty about the future economy.

As an example of a recent deal, an arrangement with the United Kingdom now makes it cheaper to import British vehicles with minimal American parts than vehicles from Mexico or Canada that contain half American parts. Slotkin expressed concern that this uneven trade policy disproportionately affects small businesses and suppliers, who lack walk-in access to the White House for deals, potentially leading to increased prices for average goods and services.

Sen. Slotkin also addressed cuts to public health funding, framed through a national security lens. Specific mention was made of cuts to institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation. Universities in Michigan, for instance, are estimated to have lost about $200 million in research dollars, impacting scientists and labs across the state.

The Senator highlighted that the real consequence is the loss of cutting-edge research that will no longer occur in American universities, potentially hindering progress in areas like cancer treatment and finding cures for Alzheimer's. This means cutting-edge scientists may not come to or stay in the United States to conduct this vital research. A concrete example provided was a pilot blood test for early-stage ovarian cancer. Researchers had developed this test, which could potentially save hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives by detecting the disease at an early stage before it typically manifests.

However, funding from the NIH to test the blood test further and make it publicly available has been cut, halting its development and market release. Slotkin expressed concern that if the U.S. is not conducting this groundbreaking research, other countries are "poised to pick up the slack". The question was raised whether Americans want China to invent and test the next miracle drug and then sell it back to the U.S., emphasizing the importance of the U.S. remaining the leader in public health research for competitiveness.

Finally, Sen. Slotkin discussed an issue related to democracy: a voting bill called the Save Act, which passed the House of Representatives and is being pushed by the Trump administration. While seemingly normal on the surface, the bill would require voters to show proof of citizenship at the polling booth.

Crucially, this proof would need to be a passport or a birth certificate, not just a driver's license (the typical form of ID used by most Michigan voters). The Senator pointed out that even a Real ID, required for air travel, would not suffice. This requirement creates significant barriers and makes voting more "onerous" and difficult. Particular challenges were noted for women who may vote under a different name than the one on their birth certificate.

Slotkin stated she cannot vote for this bill in good faith if it reaches the Senate and will vote "no". The briefing concluded by reiterating the goal of highlighting these key issues to keep the public informed about developments in Washington.