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On today's episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker and John Kiriakou are joined by journalist and bestselling author Max Blumenthal, as well as by Bruce Fein, a former Assistant Attorney General of the United States to discuss Twitter's announcement that it is banning advertising by RT and Sputnik.

The Senate Intelligence Committee voted yesterday to not only renew the “702 program” of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that authorizes domestic surveillance, but in fact to expand it! What can be done to defend privacy rights and civil liberties? Bill Binney, a former NSA technical director who became a legendary whistleblower, joins the show.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont appears to be out of options as he refuses to declare independence or call snap elections. But will a grassroots surge in favor of independence force him to act -- or even push him aside? Dick Nichols, correspondent for Green Left Weekly, joins Brian and John.

A huge military buildup by the U.S. navy within striking distance of North Korea has the region and the world on edge as the Trump administration’s full court press continues. Simone Chun, a fellow at the Korea Policy Institute, talks about the latest developments.

The deaths of four special operations troops in Niger has brought to the fore the expansive U.S. military presence across West Africa. Vijay Prashad, author and professor, discusses the role of the U.S. across the continent.

Big developments have been taking place in Congress -- first the Congressional Budget Office released its much-awaited analysis of the Murray-Alexander healthcare bill, and today the House passed a crucial budget resolution paving the way for the Republican tax plan. Dr. Carol Paris, President of Physicians for a National Health Plan, and by Jane Cutter, Editor of LiberationNews.org, join the show.