← The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Pressure Cooker as Senate Faces the SAVE Act plus Cubans Rise as Energy Grid Collapses
00:20:00
Loading summary
Transcript50 lines
- [00:00]
Podcast Host
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human no one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need, from storm warnings to pollen levels right at your fingertips. Get the fastest local Alerts and comprehensive 10 day forecasts wherever you are. Its hyperlocal, real time customizable alerts make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free Weatherbug app from the App Store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts. Forecasts 247 we've been duped, hoodwinked, conned for 50 years.
- [00:38]
Lawn Care Advertiser
The lawn care industry sold us toxins in a bag and made our yards more toxic than a bad relationship. Sundae helps you ditch the chemicals and feed your lawn the good stuff. Soybean proteins, iron, seaweed, molasses. Ingredients that get your soil giggling like an overserved mom at the block party. Sundae uses clean ingredients in real science for thicker, greener grass. Order today and get your custom Sunday yard plan for the season ahead. Sunday for a Smarter, Healthier Yard GetSunday.com
- [01:06]
Public Investing Advertiser
support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures tired
- [02:07]
Furniture Advertiser
of spills and stains on your sofa? Wash away your worries with Annabe. Annabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out where designer quality meets budget friendly prices. That's right, sofas start at just $699. Enjoy a no risk experience with pet friendly, stain resistant and changeable slipcovers made with performance fabric. Experience cloud like comfort with high resilience foam that's hypoallergenic and never needs fluffing. The sturdy steel frame ensures longevity and the modular pieces can be rearranged anytime. Shop washablesofas.com for up to 60% off site wide backed by a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not absolutely in love, send it back for a full refund. No return, shipping or restocking fees. Every penny back Upgrade now@washablesofas.com Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply
- [03:07]
Ben Ferguson
Flag Football is exploding and iflag is leading the way as the Guinness World Record Holder. Iflag hosts premier flag football tournaments nationwide for boys, girls, high school girls and adults. From first time players to elite competitors, iflag delivers top level competition, unforgettable experiences and a community built around the game. Ready to be part of it? Join the movement, find your tournament and learn more@iflag.org that's iflag.org well I think
- [03:38]
Donald Trump
you gas prices as soon as that's over are going to come tumbling down along with everything else. I think it's going to be you're going to see a very big decrease in the price of gasoline, gas, anything having to do with energy as soon as this is ended. But we had to end the nuclear threat in the Middle east and throughout the world and we will have done that.
- [03:57]
Ben Ferguson
You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.
- [04:00]
News Anchor
Good Monday morning. Nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got a major update for you on the SAVE Act. There is real movement in Washington, D.C. as conservatives are joining together to do everything they can to get the SAVE act into reality. The President coming out talking about as well and the Senate Majority Leader. So who's holding it up and what's going to happen this week? Will there be a vote on it?
- [04:28]
Political Commentator
I explain it all for you. This year marks a critical moment for our country as the opposition grows more aggressive and unapologetic. The fight now reaches into the everyday decisions we make. Patriot Mobile has been standing on the front lines fighting for freedom for more than 12 years. They don't just deliver top tier wireless service. They are activists like me who truly care about our country. Patriot Mobile offers prioritized premium access on all three major U S networks giving you the same or better coverage than the main carriers do. That means fast speeds and dependable nationwide coverage backed by 100 US based customer support. They also offer unlimited data plans, mobile hotspots, international roaming and more. With simple seamless activation, you can switch in minutes. You can keep your same number and keep your phone or upgrade. And here's the difference. When you switch to Patriot Mobile, you'll be part of a powerful stream of giving that directly funds the Christian conservative movement. So take a stand today with every call you make. Go to patriotmobile.com ben47 or call 972 Patriot and when you use the promo code BEN47 you'll get a free month of service. So don't wait. Make a difference now. Patriotmobile.comBen47 or call 972-patriot. That's 972-patriot promo code BEN47.
- [06:06]
News Anchor
It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.
- [06:09]
Political Commentator
Story number one, Senator Mike Lee is saying now that there is a planned vote on the Save America act that will show who is fighting for securing elections and also who fears them. Mike Lee said the plan vote on the SAVE act will reveal exactly who's on the side of America is another way of putting it. Now let me give you a background on where how we got to this point. This has been one of the biggest political fights happening in Washington right now. And it is a fight in Washington, but not actually among the American people because polling shows that the majority of Americans are in favor of the SAVE Act. That is not a controversy. So why is Washington doing what they're doing? Because Democrats want to cheat. That's what this is all about. This would Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. That's what the SAVE act stands for. The legislation has become a major priority for Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress for one reason, because there shouldn't be people that are voting illegally in our elections. Now what does the SAVE act do? That is a big question that so many have asked and I think it's important that we answer it. At its core, this bill would require and this is not crazy, the majority of Americans are in favor it documenting proof of U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections along with stronger voter ID requirements. Many supporters and other countries around the world that do what we're trying to do in the US have not only said that the goal is simple, it is to ensure that only American citizens are voting in American elections. This is why the majority of Americans are overwhelmingly in favor of this. Now. The House of Representatives has already passed their version of the bill with strong Republican support. The focus has now shifted to the U.S. sen. Senate where the legislation faces a difficult path because it would likely need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. And that's where the political fight is really heating up. President Trump and GOP leaders. And I'm talking about real leaders, okay? Not Thune. I'm talking about the other ones, all right, Are now pushing hard on this because the American people are demanding it. President Trump promised it, and that's why many people voted for Donald Trump. President Trump has made the SAVE Act a centerpiece issue of legislation. He's been out there arguing that election integrity reforms are essential ahead of the upcoming elections. Now, at a Republican gathering earlier this month, President Trump said voter ID and citizenship verification laws are overwhelmingly supported by the American public and are necessary to protect elections. Trump has also taken the extraordinary steps of pressuring Congress to act on this, saying he does not want to sign other legislation until the SAVE act is passed, making it clearly his top priority. That is exactly what the president had to do. Spend that political capital to get us where we are now. That's also sad, because the president shouldn't have had to have done that. It should have been something that the Democratic Party overwhelmingly support as well, because the majority of Americans support it. This should have gotten to 60 votes, easily. The only reason why it hasn't is because of one reason. Democrats love to cheat in elections, and they want to cheat. That is the only reason why you wouldn't support the SAVE Act. Now, Republicans in Congress say the legislation is about restoring confidence in elections after years of controversy and distrust by the American people. Several GOP senators and candidates have even suggested changing Senate rules, including bringing back a talking filibuster to force the bill through if Democrats continue to block it. Now, this is where the politics comes in, and it's really interesting to see what the politics are on this one. All right, uh, you've got Senator John Cornyn, who is upside down. I mean, in a big way. All right? I want to be clear about that. He is. Did not get 50 plus 1% in his primary, uh, challenge by Ken Paxton. Uh, you also had Wesley Hunt. He's out. It's now gone to a runoff. John Cornyn has now been forced to shift his stance on. On the Senate rules as the pressure from conservative voters is growing to get the bill across the finish line. If he doesn't, he is definitely done in this primary runoff that they're having in Texas right now. So that's one of the reasons why we're seeing this moving. Because let's be clear, John Cornyn was holding this thing up. Now, not, not every Republican agrees on the tactics that we're dealing with right now. Senate leadership, for example, has acknowledged the math is difficult right now. Republicans holding a narrow majority in the Senate, the bill would still need Democratic votes to reach the 60 vote threshold, which leadership says is unlikely at this moment. Republican leaders say the plan to force votes and put Democrats on record opposing what they describe and what the American people agree is a common sense election protections is still worth it. So let's go to the polling here because that's something else that Americans need to understand. Republicans are making it very clear that are behind this, including President Trump, that the numbers show that the American people want this. Polling numbers frequently cited by supporters of this legislation are showing that there is strong national support for voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements. Now, according to recent polling cited by the White House, 71% of Americans support the Save America Act, 81% of Americans support voter ID requirements, 75% of voters support proof of citizenship to vote, and 69% of independents support the legislation. Now here's the part that's really interesting. Even about half of Democrats support the proposal as well, saying yes, only Americans should vote in our elections. Now, separate polling has also showed showed high support for voter ID laws more broadly in general. Let me give you those numbers so you understand this is a bipartisan issue. 84% of Americans support requiring photo ID to vote. That's more than 8 out of 10Americans. 83% support requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote because it's insane that you could be able to vote without showing that you're a citizen. Supporters say those numbers are showing one thing. This is as bipartisan as it gets in 2026. It's one of the most popular election reforms in decades in this country. And there is a clear consensus. It goes back to the question, why are Democrats against it now? Critics warn of major voting barriers. Right is what they say. And I'm going to go through those in a moment. But I also want you to hear the Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, what he had to say about what will happen this week.
- [13:37]
Senator John Thune
Next week I will be bringing the Save America act to the floor and we will be having a full and robust debate. So, Mr. President, what is the Save America Act? It is a package of common sense policies, the kind of common sense policies that should get an automatic yes vote from literally every member of this body. At the core of the Save America act is the requirement that individuals provide proof of citizenship to register to vote. And then show an ID when they go to the polls. In other words, it would require Americans to demonstrate that they're eligible to vote and that they are who they say they are when they go to do so. Not to keep using the word common sense, but it's pretty common sense, right? We require photo ID for a whole lot of things in this country for obvious reasons. Getting on a plane, show your official government issued photo id, go to the doctor. Same thing. Provide your government issued photo ID plus your insurance card. Get hired for a new job, provide your Government issued photo ID when you start, Mr. President, public libraries ask for a photo ID in New York City, you have to provide some type of photo ID to get a library card. Baltimore, Maryland, same thing. Washington, D.C. again, photo ID. Mr. President, I'll stop with the list of libraries, but I think we can all agree that if you have to show photo ID improvements where you live to get a library card, it's not too much to ask voters to show ID to vote in federal elections.
- [15:27]
Political Commentator
Now, let me tell you what Democrats are saying. Democrats and, quote, voting rights groups. Those are hardcore radical liberals. Just so you understand what those actually are, they're opposing the bill. Why? They say that the AVA the SAVE act could make it harder for millions of eligible Americans to vote. They certainly go straight to one core group, and that is Hispanics and African Americans. Why do they say that? It's pretty racist to imply that if you are African American or Hispanic, you do not have an ID to vote. That is insane. The left also says as many as 21 million eligible voters lack ready access to the required documents, which they argue could lead to voter disenfranchisement. Again, another hardcore racist statement. That is a racist statement by the Democratic Party. They are saying that African Americans who are Democrats are so behind the times, you can't expect them to actually have an id. So this is where we are with the Democratic Party. The Democrats are going to do everything they can to stop this. Because ultimately what they really want is they want people to be able to vote in American elections who are not American citizens. They want illegal immigrants. They flooded this country with. To be able to vote in our elections, they want to be able to cheat in our elections. They want your vote to be canceled out by someone who may even be dead. That is their plan. So this week is a big week and we're going to keep you up to date on it the entire time.
- [17:05]
Ben Ferguson
Next story number two.
- [17:06]
Political Commentator
I want to get you the latest
- [17:07]
News Anchor
on what's happening in Cuba. There has Been so much attention on what's going on in Iran and also the terrorist attacks in the US that many aren't paying attention to what's going on right now in Cuba. There are major protests and unrest that are breaking out. Cuba is seeing what is described in that country is a very rare anti government protest as the economic and energy crisis is worsening by the hour. Protesters attacked and even vandalized the Communist Party office in one of the major cities there during demonstrations over the blackouts this weekend. Demonstrators were chanting down with communism while demanding food, water and electricity. Authorities arrested several people after the protests then turned violent. Across the island, people have also been staging nighttime pot banging protests. Yes, actually banging pots outside of their doors and windows during the long power outages. There is a massive energy crisis and that's what's causing these blackouts. The biggest driver of the unrest is the severe fuel and electric shortage. Cuba has now gone months without major petroleum shipments causing an energy emergency. Power plants are shutting down and millions of Cubans have lost electricity during the major outages. Hospitals, now schools, transportation and food production are being disrupted all across Cuba. In some areas, blackouts have now lasted between 15 to 30 hours, leaving entire cities and total darkness, which is also affecting the food and medicine shortages that have worsened. The energy crisis is hitting the food system hard. The shortages are preventing crops from being harvested. Some bakeries have switched to wood or coal ovens because they lack fuel. They need to make basic bread. Garbage collection, transportation and supply chains are breaking down. The result is inflation and shortages of basic necessities.
- [19:31]
Political Commentator
Which brings us to US policy.
- [19:34]
News Anchor
We knew taking out Maduro in Venezuela and making sure that Cuba didn't get that oil was going to have a big impact on Cuba and allow hopefully
- [19:44]
Political Commentator
for the people there to actually have
- [19:47]
News Anchor
a free and fair election. The crisis is also intensified due to the pressure on the regime from the Trump administration. The US has now blocked oil shipments and tightened economic pressure as well. The goal from Donald Trump and from Washington is widely seen as forcing political and economic reforms in Cuba. At the bare minimum, regime change for the people in Cuba could be even bigger. President Trump now said that negotiations with Cuba are actually underway. But he warned the US could take stronger action if the talks fail. Now, in a major development, Cuba's president confirmed talks with the US government. He actually did that on state national TV there. The discussions are focused, he said, on the energy crisis as well as US sanctions. Cuba has also released dozens of prisoners,
- [20:44]
Political Commentator
possibly as a goodwill gesture. These are the first publicly confirmed talks
- [20:51]
News Anchor
between the US And Cuba, literally in years. Now, if you look at the overall issue here, Cuba is facing three simultaneous crises. This is something that the Trump administration knew would happen if they went after
- [21:05]
Political Commentator
the oil supply to Cuba.
- [21:08]
News Anchor
One, you've got the energy collapse, severe fuel shortages, and nationwide blackouts. That is then bringing us to number two, economic. The problems of the breakdown, the food shortages, inflation, and then the supply chain failures. And then that brings part three, and
- [21:26]
Political Commentator
that may be the most important part.
- [21:28]
News Anchor
The political pressure, the protests against the communist regime and the negotiations with the U.S. we now have maximum leverage. You look at all of this and there's one great thing that has come out of it. The President, United States of America has said it's time for Cuba to move forward and not be under such a repressive, repressive regime. It also shows just how weak China and other countries are. For far too long, we are afraid
- [21:56]
Political Commentator
of what other countries would do if we did this to Cuba.
- [22:00]
News Anchor
Now we don't have to worry about that. The President, United States of America, even saying this about Cuba over the weekend.
- [22:10]
Furniture Advertiser
Cuba, you said that Cuba wants to make a deal.
- [22:13]
Donald Trump
Yes.
- [22:14]
Furniture Advertiser
What would the United States get in return for that? And why should Americans trust Marco Rubio to negotiate it?
- [22:20]
Donald Trump
Well, Marco Rubio is doing a great job. I think he's going to go down as the greatest secretary of state in history. Look at what we've done as a, as a presidency. Look at what we've done as an administration. They trust Marco and so do the American people. Trust he's been successful no matter where he's been. He also speaks the language, which is always nice and always helpful, but he's dealing. And it may be a friendly takeover, it may not be a friendly takeover. It wouldn't matter because they're really in. They're down to, as they say, fumes. They have no energy, they have no money. They're in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis, and we don't want to see that. But they were very, very bad to a lot of people, as you know, and a lot of people living our the Cuban American vote, which I got at record levels.
- [23:18]
News Anchor
You listen to Donald Trump there. It's very clear he has a plan and he understands exactly how he's going to implement it, and that's probably why it's working.
- [23:26]
Ben Ferguson
Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and We will see you back here tomorrow.
- [23:43]
Podcast Host
No one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need from storm warnings to pollen levels right at your fingertips. Get the fastest local Alerts and comprehensive 10 day forecasts wherever you are. Its hyperlocal, real time customizable alerts make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free Weatherbug app from the App Store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts.
- [24:11]
Lawn Care Advertiser
247 we've been duped, hoodwinked, conned for 50 years. The lawn care industry sold us toxins in a bag and made our yards more toxic than a bad relationship. Sundae helps you ditch the chemicals and feed your lawn the good stuff. Soybean proteins, iron, seaweed, molasses Ingredients that get your soil giggling like an overserved mom at the block party. Sundae uses clean ingredients in real science for thicker, greener grass. Order today and get your custom Sunday yard plan for the season ahead Sundae for a smarter, healthier yard getsundae.com Time
- [24:44]
Furniture Advertiser
for a sofa Upgrade Introducing anibe sofas where designer style meets budget friendly prices, Anabe brings you the ultimate in furniture innovation with a modular design that allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy liquids simply slide right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus, our pet friendly stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space today. Sofas start at just $699 with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
- [25:44]
Ben Ferguson
Flag football is exploding and iflag is leading the way as the Guinness World Record Holder. IFLAG hosts premier flag football tournaments nationwide for boys, girls, high school girls and adults. From first time players to elite competitors, iflag delivers top level competition, unforgettable experiences and a community built around the game. Ready to be part of it? Join the movement, find your tournament and learn more@iflag.org that's iflag.org Wasn't that delicious so good.
- [26:16]
Political Commentator
Your bill, ladies.
- [26:18]
Senator John Thune
I got it.
- [26:18]
Podcast Host
No, I got it. Seriously, I insist. I insisted first. Don't be silly.
- [26:24]
Furniture Advertiser
You don't be silly.
- [26:26]
Political Commentator
People with the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card prefer to pay because they earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- [26:32]
Senator John Thune
Okay.
- [26:33]
Political Commentator
Rock, paper, scissors for it. Rock, paper, scissors.
- [26:35]
Furniture Advertiser
Shoot.
- [26:36]
Donald Trump
No.
- [26:37]
Political Commentator
The Wells Fargo ActiveCash credit card.
- [26:39]
Ben Ferguson
Visit Wells Fargo.comActiveCash terms apply.
- [26:44]
Podcast Host
This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.