The Politics Hour: Rep. Jamie Raskin on President Trump’s push to shrink the federal workforce

The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

A federal judge paused the Trump administration's "deferred resignation" offer hours before the Thursday deadline. Many of the particulars of the offer remain unclear, including if it is even lawful. U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D) joined the show to weigh in on what it means for the region and what lawmakers are doing to help local federal workers.

Plus, the Congressman explained why the White House's recent immigration enforcement actions could be illegal and his thoughts on legislation that would repeal D.C.'s self-governance.

Debate is raging over a proposal in the Virginia General Assembly to bring a casino to Fairfax County. Supporters believe it will bring economic development and jobs to the county, while detractors argue it does not have the public's backing. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay got behind the mic to weigh in on the debate.

He said he does not favor the legislation that passed the Virginia Senate earlier this week, noting it turns a potential casino into a “ATM” for Richmond with little economic benefit to the county.

"The way the bill is currently written right now, what passed the Senate, is absolutely not a good deal for Fairfax County," McKay said. "It’s a great deal for the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Plus, how the Trump administration's push to shrink the federal workforce could affect the county's economy.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered his "State of the State" address this week where he focused on the growing financial challenges facing his state. He called on bipartisan compromise and the need to make "tough choices" to address the state's $3 billion budget gap. We asked Maryland Matters' founding editor and reporter Josh Kurtz to break down Governor Moore's remarks and explain Maryland lawmakers' agendas. And we said goodbye to the long-time Maryland politico, who announced this week he's moving on.

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