WEATHER ALERT
Shutdown saga exposes new fault lines for Speaker Johnson and tests his grip on the gavel
Read full article: Shutdown saga exposes new fault lines for Speaker Johnson and tests his grip on the gavelOne of the most turbulent sessions of Congress in the modern era is about to make way for the next one.
What to know about the debt ceiling debate as a government shutdown looms in Washington
Read full article: What to know about the debt ceiling debate as a government shutdown looms in WashingtonA debate over the debt ceiling is at the center of a dispute over funding that is pushing the possibility of a federal government shutdown to the brink in Washington.
Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?
Read full article: Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in Social Security payments under legislation that's set for a final vote in the Senate.
Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's power
Read full article: Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's powerThe Senate has passed a defense bill that authorize significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members and boost overall military spending to $895 billion.
New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonist
Read full article: New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonistAs California’s newest senator, Democrat Adam Schiff says he’s not going to shy away from familiar territory — opposing Donald Trump when he feels it is necessary.
Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House
Read full article: Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of HouseDemocrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year.
Capitol tree lighting ceremony in Washington, DC
Read full article: Capitol tree lighting ceremony in Washington, DCOn Tuesday, The Office of the Speaker of the House hosts the annual ceremony for the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, an 80-foot spruce selected from Zarembo Island in Alaska.
Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain
Read full article: Trump names billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to BritainPresident-elect Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his envoy to Britain, a prestigious posting for the Republican donor whose contributions this year included $2 million to a Trump-backing super PAC.
Minnesota Republicans sue to force election rerun in tight House race where 20 ballots are missing
Read full article: Minnesota Republicans sue to force election rerun in tight House race where 20 ballots are missingMinnesota Republicans are suing to try to force a rerun of a state House race where the incumbent Democrat won by 14 votes but investigators concluded that election workers probably destroyed 20 valid absentee ballots after failing to count them.
Florida state senators have started filing bills for 2025. The new laws that could be coming
Read full article: Florida state senators have started filing bills for 2025. The new laws that could be comingState senators are off to a quick start filing bills as they gear up for the 2025 legislative session, which begins March 4.
Trump claims a win on immigration after a call with Mexico's president. But she suggests no change
Read full article: Trump claims a win on immigration after a call with Mexico's president. But she suggests no changePresident-elect Donald Trump is declaring a win on stopping illegal immigration through Mexico after talking with that country’s leader.
House Republicans signal support for proposal to ban bathroom access for 1st transgender member
Read full article: House Republicans signal support for proposal to ban bathroom access for 1st transgender memberHouse Speaker Mike Johnson signaled support for a Republican effort to ban Democrat Sarah McBride — the first transgender person to be elected to Congress — from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol once she’s sworn into office next year.
Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equality
Read full article: Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equalityDemocratic lawmakers who wield control of the Virginia Legislature are hoping to make good on promises made on the campaign trail, including becoming the first Southern state to expand constitutional protections for abortion access.
Trump chooses New York Rep. Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United Nations
Read full article: Trump chooses New York Rep. Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United NationsPresident-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations, picking a loyal ally with little foreign policy experience to represent the U.S. at the international organization.
What to know about the House push to expand some Social Security benefits
Read full article: What to know about the House push to expand some Social Security benefitsThe House is expected to try next week to pass a Social Security-related bill to ensure benefits for workers who are also eligible for other pensions.
Republicans make gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notch a few wins
Read full article: Republicans make gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notch a few winsRepublicans running on the ballot underneath President-elect Donald Trump have made gains in numerous state legislatures.
LIVE: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger provides Election Day update
Read full article: LIVE: Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger provides Election Day updateGeorgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that despite most of the elections running smoothly on Tuesday, there were some reported bomb threats to polling places.
Secretary of State encourages Georgians to vote on Election Day, assures public that ‘systems are secure’
Read full article: Secretary of State encourages Georgians to vote on Election Day, assures public that ‘systems are secure’Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and the Elections Division will host a news conference in Atlanta Monday morning to preview Election Day.
FBI links video falsely depicting voter fraud in Georgia to 'Russian influence actors'
Read full article: FBI links video falsely depicting voter fraud in Georgia to 'Russian influence actors'U_S_ intelligence officials say a video that purports to show election fraud in Georgia is fake and the work of “Russian influence actors."
Speaker Mike Johnson is pulling closer to Trump to save the GOP's House majority
Read full article: Speaker Mike Johnson is pulling closer to Trump to save the GOP's House majorityAs House Speaker Mike Johnson travels the country trying to save his House Republican majority, he has linked ever more tightly to former President Donald Trump.
Michigan House races will test Democrats' grasp on the state government trifecta
Read full article: Michigan House races will test Democrats' grasp on the state government trifectaThe same Michigan voters Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris needs in the critical swing state will also determine whether her party maintains its foothold on state government two years after pulling off a historic sweep.
'Stunning security failures' led to assassination attempt at Trump rally, House report finds
Read full article: 'Stunning security failures' led to assassination attempt at Trump rally, House report findsThe shooting at former President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally in July was “preventable and should not have happened."
Celebrate Caribbean Culture at DVI’s Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC
Read full article: Celebrate Caribbean Culture at DVI’s Sip & Stroll Presented by PNCJoin Downtown Vision, Inc. and Jax Caribbe for Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC. On Thursday, October 17, from 5 - 8 p.m., the community is welcome to stroll the stunning Southbank Riverwalk.
Georgia election workers settle defamation lawsuit against conservative website
Read full article: Georgia election workers settle defamation lawsuit against conservative websiteTwo Georgia election workers have reached a settlement in their defamation lawsuit against a Missouri-based website that falsely accused them of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
House Democrats in close races try to show they hear voter concerns about immigration
Read full article: House Democrats in close races try to show they hear voter concerns about immigrationIn some of the closest House races in the country, Democratic candidates are leaning into an issue that Republicans have made a centerpiece of their pitch to voters — immigration.
Intelligence officials say US adversaries are targeting congressional races with disinformation
Read full article: Intelligence officials say US adversaries are targeting congressional races with disinformationTop U.S. intelligence officials say Russia and China are seeking to meddle with specific U.S. House and Senate races this election year.
Departures in House create crucial Republican targets in the fight for majority control
Read full article: Departures in House create crucial Republican targets in the fight for majority controlAfter a tumultuous and unproductive session of Congress, nearly 50 House members have decided either to not seek reelection or to run for a higher office.
Democrats try to censure Rep. Clay Higgins for slandering Haitians in social media post
Read full article: Democrats try to censure Rep. Clay Higgins for slandering Haitians in social media postA Republican congressman who slandered Haitian immigrants in a social media post is facing a censure push from Democrats.
House unanimously votes to boost Trump security as Congress scrambles to ensure candidate safety
Read full article: House unanimously votes to boost Trump security as Congress scrambles to ensure candidate safetyLawmakers are scrambling to ensure that the U.S. Secret Service has enough money and resources to keep the nation’s presidential candidates safe amid repeated threats of violence.
Speaker Johnson sets House vote on government funding bill after a one-week postponement
Read full article: Speaker Johnson sets House vote on government funding bill after a one-week postponementHouse Speaker Mike Johnson will move ahead with a temporary spending bill that would prevent a partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins on Oct. 1, despite the headwinds that prompted him to pull the bill from consideration last week.
Congress targets Chinese influence in health tech. It could come with tradeoffs
Read full article: Congress targets Chinese influence in health tech. It could come with tradeoffsA San Jose-based biotechnology company that helps doctors detect genetic causes for cancer is among those that could be cut out of the U.S. market over ties to China.
Georgia Republican leader seeks policy changes after school shooting but Democrats want more
Read full article: Georgia Republican leader seeks policy changes after school shooting but Democrats want moreGeorgia’s state House speaker says lawmakers in 2025 will consider new policies after a school shooting killed four at a high school northeast of Atlanta.
Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on funding bill with proof of citizenship mandate despite dim prospects
Read full article: Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on funding bill with proof of citizenship mandate despite dim prospectsHouse Speaker Mike Johnson is vowing to press ahead with requiring proof of citizenship for new voters as part of a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.
House Republican unveil bill to avoid shutdown. Senate Democrats say they're wasting precious time
Read full article: House Republican unveil bill to avoid shutdown. Senate Democrats say they're wasting precious timeHouse Republicans have unveiled legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month.
Congresswomen press FDA on why a proposal to ban hair-straightening chemicals is delayed
Read full article: Congresswomen press FDA on why a proposal to ban hair-straightening chemicals is delayedTwo U.S. House members who first pushed the Food and Drug Administration in 2023 to investigate the health risks of hair straighteners used primarily by Black women are asking the agency why it has twice delayed its target date to propose a ban on products containing formaldehyde.
Why the progressive 'Squad' is getting smaller after defeats this primary cycle
Read full article: Why the progressive 'Squad' is getting smaller after defeats this primary cycleThe “Squad,” a group of progressive lawmakers in the House, is set to shrink next year after two members suffered primary defeats after an unprecedented deluge of special interest spending.
Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House Democratic leader, is recovering from mild stroke
Read full article: Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, former House Democratic leader, is recovering from mild strokeMaryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the former House Democratic leader, is recovering after experiencing a mild stroke on Sunday.
Why Trump's and Harris' proposals to end federal taxes on tips would be difficult to enact
Read full article: Why Trump's and Harris' proposals to end federal taxes on tips would be difficult to enactIf nothing else, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris agree on one thing, at least: Both say they want to eliminate federal taxes on workers’ tips.
Pelosi warns in her new book that political threats and violence 'must stop'
Read full article: Pelosi warns in her new book that political threats and violence 'must stop'Not quite two years after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol, the threat of political violence would come for Nancy Pelosi's husband at their home.
Senate passes bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful content
Read full article: Senate passes bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful contentThe Senate has passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content.
Noncitizens are less likely to participate in a census with citizenship question, study says
Read full article: Noncitizens are less likely to participate in a census with citizenship question, study saysAdding a citizenship question to the census reduces the participation of people who aren’t U.S. citizens, particularly those from Latin American countries.
City of Jacksonville to address Florida law that bans those who are homeless from sleeping on public property
Read full article: City of Jacksonville to address Florida law that bans those who are homeless from sleeping on public propertyThe City of Jacksonville is set to hold a news conference Monday outlining its plan to address a new Florida law.
What to know about the Kids Online Safety Act that just passed the Senate
Read full article: What to know about the Kids Online Safety Act that just passed the SenateThe last time Congress passed a law to protect children on the internet was in 1998 — before Facebook, before the iPhone and long before today’s oldest teenagers were born.
Democrats weigh Biden's impact on House races as Republicans grow confident of holding majority
Read full article: Democrats weigh Biden's impact on House races as Republicans grow confident of holding majorityDemocratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has a one-word answer on whether President Joe Biden is a liability for the most vulnerable House Democrats seeking reelection.
Mississippi election officials argue against quick work on drawing new majority-Black districts
Read full article: Mississippi election officials argue against quick work on drawing new majority-Black districtsMississippi election officials say redrawing legislative districts in time for this November’s election is impossible because of tight deadlines to prepare ballots.
What Jamaal Bowman's loss in New York means for the future of 'the Squad'
Read full article: What Jamaal Bowman's loss in New York means for the future of 'the Squad'George Latimer's decisive victory over Rep. Jamaal Bowman in suburban New York dealt the left-flank its first electoral defeat this cycle.
Senate’s NDAA would require women to register for selective service if there were a military draft
Read full article: Senate’s NDAA would require women to register for selective service if there were a military draftIf H.R. 8070 passes and becomes law, men and women will have to register for selective service in case the military ever executes the draft.
Israel-Hamas war roils congressional race outside New York City, testing Democrats in pivotal clash
Read full article: Israel-Hamas war roils congressional race outside New York City, testing Democrats in pivotal clashThe Israel-Hamas war is roiling a primary election between two Democrats in New York, testing the party’s position on the conflict and the larger split between its progressive and centrist wings.
Gov. DeSantis signs $116.5B state budget which is less than previous year, bolsters reserves
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs $116.5B state budget which is less than previous year, bolsters reservesGov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday is set to hold a news conference on Wednesday to sign the state budget.
Mississippi is the latest state sued by tech group over age verification on websites
Read full article: Mississippi is the latest state sued by tech group over age verification on websitesA tech industry group says a new Mississippi law requiring users of websites and other digital services to verify their age will unconstitutionally limit access to online speech for minors and adults.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in North Dakota's state primaries
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in North Dakota's state primariesWhile possible Republican vice presidential hopeful Doug Burgum travels the country campaigning for former President Donald Trump, the race to succeed him as North Dakota governor tops the list of contests voters will decide in statewide and local primaries.
Former officers who defended the US Capitol on Jan. 6 visited the Pa. House. Some GOP members jeered
Read full article: Former officers who defended the US Capitol on Jan. 6 visited the Pa. House. Some GOP members jeeredSome Republican members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives booed and walked out this week when two former police officers who helped protect the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot were recognized on the state House floor.
California Republican takes oath of office to complete term of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy
Read full article: California Republican takes oath of office to complete term of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthyRepublican Vince Fong of California has been sworn into Congress after winning a special election to complete the remainder of the term of deposed former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
US Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas fights off challenge from gun-rights activist in GOP runoff
Read full article: US Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas fights off challenge from gun-rights activist in GOP runoffRepublican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas has won his primary over a gun-rights activist who forced the border congressman into a runoff and threatened to unseat a House incumbent.
House Republicans ditch their day jobs to stand with Trump, while legislating languishes
Read full article: House Republicans ditch their day jobs to stand with Trump, while legislating languishesLeaving Washington behind, prominent far-right House Republicans who have pushed this Congress into chaos showed up at Donald Trump’s hush money trial.
Ethics review finds probable cause that Rep. Troy Nehls misused campaign funds
Read full article: Ethics review finds probable cause that Rep. Troy Nehls misused campaign fundsThe independent office that reviews allegations against House members has found probable cause that Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas converted campaign funds to personal use.
Senate passes bill improving air safety and service for travelers, a day before FAA law expires
Read full article: Senate passes bill improving air safety and service for travelers, a day before FAA law expiresThe Senate has passed a $105 billion bill designed to improve air safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.
Failure to oust Speaker 'MAGA Mike' Johnson shows strength and weakness of his alliance with Trump
Read full article: Failure to oust Speaker 'MAGA Mike' Johnson shows strength and weakness of his alliance with TrumpHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has a survived an attempt by far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove him from office.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Speaker Johnson search for offramp as vote on his ouster simmers
Read full article: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Speaker Johnson search for offramp as vote on his ouster simmersEmbattled House Speaker Mike Johnson and far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have met for a second day at the Capitol as they try to figure out an off-ramp to her threat for a vote on the motion to remove him from office.
Settlement could cost NCAA nearly $3 billion; plan to pay athletes would need federal protection
Read full article: Settlement could cost NCAA nearly $3 billion; plan to pay athletes would need federal protectionThe NCAA and major college conferences are considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that could cost them billions in damages and force schools to share athletics-related revenue with their athletes.
House Republicans launch investigation into federal funding for universities amid campus protests
Read full article: House Republicans launch investigation into federal funding for universities amid campus protestsHouse Republicans are investigating the federal funding for universities where students have protested the Israel-Hamas war.
Mississippi Republicans revive bill to regulate transgender bathroom use in schools
Read full article: Mississippi Republicans revive bill to regulate transgender bathroom use in schoolsMississippi’s Republican-led Legislature has completed a last-ditch effort to revive a bill to regulate transgender people’s use of bathrooms, locker rooms and dormitories in public education buildings.
Two months to count election ballots? California's long tallies turn election day into weeks, months
Read full article: Two months to count election ballots? California's long tallies turn election day into weeks, monthsNearly two months after the election, a recount settled the outcome in a Northern California U.S. House primary contest.
Hakeem Jeffries isn't speaker yet, but the Democrat may be the most powerful person in Congress
Read full article: Hakeem Jeffries isn't speaker yet, but the Democrat may be the most powerful person in CongressWithout wielding the gavel or holding a formal job laid out in the Constitution, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries might very well be the most powerful person in Congress right now.
House passes bill to expand definition of antisemitism amid growing campus protests over Gaza war
Read full article: House passes bill to expand definition of antisemitism amid growing campus protests over Gaza warThe House has passed legislation that would establish a broader definition of antisemitism for the Department of Education to enforce anti-discrimination laws.
Mississippi Medicaid expansion plan could struggle for bipartisan support, Democratic leader says
Read full article: Mississippi Medicaid expansion plan could struggle for bipartisan support, Democratic leader saysThe Mississippi House Democratic leader says a Medicaid expansion plan endorsed by Republican leaders could struggle for bipartisan support.
House Republicans launch investigation into federal funding for universities amid campus protests
Read full article: House Republicans launch investigation into federal funding for universities amid campus protestsHouse Republicans are investigating the federal funding for universities where students have protested the Israel-Hamas war.
Democrats say they will save Speaker Mike Johnson's job if Republicans try to oust him
Read full article: Democrats say they will save Speaker Mike Johnson's job if Republicans try to oust himHouse Democrats will vote to save Speaker Mike Johnson’s job should some Republican lawmakers seek to remove him from the position, avoiding a repeat of when eight Republicans joined with Democrats to oust his predecessor, former Rep. Kevin McCarthy.
House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors
Read full article: House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectorsCongressional negotiators have agreed to help the Federal Aviation Administration hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors.
Tennessee House kills bill that would have banned local officials from studying, funding reparations
Read full article: Tennessee House kills bill that would have banned local officials from studying, funding reparationsTennessee’s Republican-dominant House has spiked legislation that would have banned local governments from paying to study or dispense money for reparations for slavery.
Mississippi lawmakers haggle over possible Medicaid expansion as their legislative session nears end
Read full article: Mississippi lawmakers haggle over possible Medicaid expansion as their legislative session nears endTop Mississippi lawmakers have started negotiating on what could become a landmark plan to expand Medicaid coverage to tens of thousands of people in one of the poorest states in the U.S. But even with Republicans controlling both the state House and Senate, it’s far from clear that they will reach a compromise.
Tennessee lawmakers pass bill to allow armed teachers, a year after deadly Nashville shooting
Read full article: Tennessee lawmakers pass bill to allow armed teachers, a year after deadly Nashville shootingTennessee Republican lawmakers have passed a bill that would let some teachers and staff carry concealed handguns on public school grounds.
Pentagon set to send $1 billion in new military aid to Ukraine once Biden signs bill
Read full article: Pentagon set to send $1 billion in new military aid to Ukraine once Biden signs billU.S. officials say the Pentagon is poised to send $1 billion in new military aid to Ukraine now that the Senate has approved long-awaited legislation to fund the weapons Kyiv needs to stall gains made by Russia.
Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
Read full article: Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan voteThe Senate has passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
Tell Us: Do you think TikTok should be banned completely or sold to a US company?
Read full article: Tell Us: Do you think TikTok should be banned completely or sold to a US company?The House has passed legislation that would ban TikTok in the United States if the popular social media platform’s China-based owner doesn’t sell its stake within a year.
After Congress finally does pass new funding, this is how the US can rush weapons to Ukraine
Read full article: After Congress finally does pass new funding, this is how the US can rush weapons to UkraineThe Pentagon can get weapons moving to Ukraine quickly once Congress passes a long-delayed aid bill.
Senate advances renewal of key US surveillance program as detractors seek changes
Read full article: Senate advances renewal of key US surveillance program as detractors seek changesThe Senate has advanced legislation that would reauthorize a key U.S. surveillance tool as lawmakers and the Biden administration rushed to tamp down fresh concerns about the program violating Americans’ civil liberties.
Democrats weigh prospect of helping Johnson save his job as House speaker
Read full article: Democrats weigh prospect of helping Johnson save his job as House speakerSome Democrats are entertaining the prospect of helping House Speaker Mike Johnson save his job should Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia force a vote seeking his ouster.
What's inside the $95 billion House package focused on aiding Ukraine and Israel
Read full article: What's inside the $95 billion House package focused on aiding Ukraine and IsraelSpeaker Mike Johnson has unveiled a long-awaited package of bills that will provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons systems and give humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
St. Johns County community members prepare to head to Tallahassee for Black History Museum proposal
Read full article: St. Johns County community members prepare to head to Tallahassee for Black History Museum proposalCommunity members will follow the group involved with the proposal to Tallahassee as they answer additional questions the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force has.
House’s Ukraine, Israel aid package gains Biden's support as Speaker Johnson fights to keep his job
Read full article: House’s Ukraine, Israel aid package gains Biden's support as Speaker Johnson fights to keep his jobPresident Joe Biden says that he strongly supports a proposal from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
Senate rejects impeachment articles against Mayorkas, ending trial against Cabinet secretary
Read full article: Senate rejects impeachment articles against Mayorkas, ending trial against Cabinet secretaryThe Senate has dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and ending his trial before arguments even began.
White House rejects long-shot House Republican effort to get President Joe Biden to testify
Read full article: White House rejects long-shot House Republican effort to get President Joe Biden to testifyThe White House is rejecting a long-shot effort from House Republicans to get President Joe Biden to testify before lawmakers in the GOP’s stalled impeachment inquiry.