4 mins read

Bill to ban certain Chinese cars approved by Senate panel

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved a series of six nominations and seven bills on Wednesday, including a measure to limit the use of vehicles and vehicle technologies developed by foreign entities of concern on American roadways. The bill, introduced by Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and co-sponsored by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., would […]

3 mins read

Fight at the museum 

Lawmakers went for a Smithsonian sequel this week, as a top museum official and a nearly identical group of witnesses appeared for their second congressional hearing.  Republicans have thrust the National Museum of American History into the spotlight and accused it of rewriting history two days in a row, first at the House Oversight Delivering […]

6 mins read

Funding extension passes House, heads for Senate rewrite

The House passed a short-term funding patch Tuesday night that is designed to head off a partial government shutdown this fall. The continuing resolution passed on a mostly party-line vote of 220-205, with only one Republican — Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie — joining most Democrats in opposition. Six Democrats broke with their party to support […]

9 mins read

Can the GOP trifecta meet their ‘mandate’ moment?

When Republicans won in 2024, they promised to use their coveted trifecta to deliver on an “unprecedented and powerful mandate” for President Donald Trump’s agenda. With few legislative days left ahead of midterms, some argue they should have done more.  It’s left some lawmakers questioning the effectiveness of their red hat-trick and whether the “lame […]

5 mins read

Republicans in Congress probe history museum, echoing Trump

As lawmakers clashed with a top Smithsonian official at a Tuesday hearing, they ping-ponged between small details — like items sold in the gift shop — and the loftiest American ideals. Republicans accused Anthea M. Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, of trying to “rewrite” the country’s past with a version focused more […]

3 mins read

Former Rep. Tim Murphy dies at age 73

Former Rep. Tim Murphy, who championed mental health issues for nearly 15 years before abruptly stepping down from his House seat amid a scandal involving an extramarital affair, has died at the age of 73. The Pennsylvania Republican died Saturday of an apparent heart attack, according to local news reports. A psychologist, Murphy was a […]

5 mins read

How Congress is losing its path(s)

Hoping for a few final wins before the midterms, Republicans are going for reconciliation — again. That’s partly because other legislative paths to President Donald Trump’s desk are disappearing. They’ll spend a good chunk of this week on plans for a third round of the filibuster-proof budget process, this time for a $95 billion package […]

2 mins read

Dates set for Lindsey Graham funeral services

As Washington reels from the unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham last weekend, his office on Friday released dates for expected memorials later this month, both in the nation’s capital and back in his home state of South Carolina. Taylor Reidy, who served as the late senator’s communication director, said Graham’s “life and legacy” will […]