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Tennessee GOP passes school voucher expansion bill with backing from Trump
Read full article: Tennessee GOP passes school voucher expansion bill with backing from TrumpTennessee lawmakers have approved legislation drastically expanding the number of families who can use taxpayer money on private schools regardless of income.
‘Not going to get my signature’: DeSantis says he’ll veto Florida’s new ‘TRUMP’ immigration bill after calling it ‘weak’
Read full article: ‘Not going to get my signature’: DeSantis says he’ll veto Florida’s new ‘TRUMP’ immigration bill after calling it ‘weak’As the Florida Legislature holds a special session this week tackling only one issue -- immigration -- Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a roundtable on Wednesday in Titusville signaling a possible veto of the bill that lawmakers passed on Tuesday night.
Florida lawmakers file extensive immigration reform bills ahead of special session
Read full article: Florida lawmakers file extensive immigration reform bills ahead of special sessionRepublican lawmakers Sunday filed a flurry of bills to crack down on undocumented immigrants and place additional restrictions on the ballot initiative process.
Florida lawmakers to kick off week with special session addressing illegal immigration, condo regulation and more
Read full article: Florida lawmakers to kick off week with special session addressing illegal immigration, condo regulation and moreOn the eve of a special legislative session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican lawmakers Sunday filed a flurry of bills to crack down on undocumented immigrants and place additional restrictions on the ballot initiative process.
Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conduct
Read full article: Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conductThe Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s defense secretary in a dramatic late-night vote.
What is the Laken Riley Act? A look at the first bill Trump just signed
Read full article: What is the Laken Riley Act? A look at the first bill Trump just signedThe first bill signed by President Donald Trump is named after a slain Georgia nursing student whose name became a rallying cry during Trump’s White House campaign.
Republican senators are mostly quiet on Trump's sweeping pardons of Jan. 6 rioters
Read full article: Republican senators are mostly quiet on Trump's sweeping pardons of Jan. 6 riotersMany Republicans on Capitol Hill do not agree with President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon and commute sentences for more than 1,500 people charged with crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Senate passes immigrant detention bill that could be the first measure Trump signs into law
Read full article: Senate passes immigrant detention bill that could be the first measure Trump signs into lawThe Senate has passed a bill that would require federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Senate confirms Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving Trump the first member of his Cabinet
Read full article: Senate confirms Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving Trump the first member of his CabinetThe Senate has confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving President Donald Trump the first member of his Cabinet.
Trump names acting defense secretary with Hegseth not yet confirmed
Read full article: Trump names acting defense secretary with Hegseth not yet confirmedPresident Donald Trump has named an acting defense secretary because his choice to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, has not yet been confirmed by the Senate.
It's not clear who will lead the Pentagon when Trump takes office. What happens then?
Read full article: It's not clear who will lead the Pentagon when Trump takes office. What happens then?It's unclear who'll take over at the Pentagon and the military services when the top leaders all step down Monday as President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
Timeline: Key dates in the century-long battle over the Equal Rights Amendment
Read full article: Timeline: Key dates in the century-long battle over the Equal Rights AmendmentThe struggle over the Equal Rights Amendment started more than a century ago when suffragist Alice Paul first proposed it shortly after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
The Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be Trump's first law to sign
Read full article: The Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be Trump's first law to signThe Senate is set for an Inauguration Day vote on legislation that would require federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Florida state senator introduces bill to prohibit undocumented students from attending colleges, universities
Read full article: Florida state senator introduces bill to prohibit undocumented students from attending colleges, universitiesA Florida state senator introduced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit colleges and universities from accepting applications or admitting undocumented students.
Hegseth could lead troops who'd face getting fired for actions he's done in the past
Read full article: Hegseth could lead troops who'd face getting fired for actions he's done in the pastSome current and former defense leaders and veterans are questioning whether Pete Hegseth would be able to enforce discipline in the ranks if the Senate confirms him as President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary.
Prosecutors seek 15 years in prison for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez after bribery conviction
Read full article: Prosecutors seek 15 years in prison for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez after bribery convictionProsecutors say former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez should be imprisoned for 15 years after the Democrat became the first to be convicted of abusing a Senate committee leadership position and the first public official to be convicted of serving as a foreign agent.
Senate Democrats join Republicans in voting to advance bill to detain migrants accused of crimes
Read full article: Senate Democrats join Republicans in voting to advance bill to detain migrants accused of crimesNewly in the minority, Democrats voted with Republicans on Thursday to advance legislation that would require federal authorities to detain unauthorized immigrants who have been accused of certain crimes — signaling that they will try and find spots to work with President-elect Donald Trump while simultaneously trying to block much of his agenda.
Trump's inaugural committee has already raised a record $170M in donations
Read full article: Trump's inaugural committee has already raised a record $170M in donationsPresident-elect Donald Trump has raised more than $170 million for his upcoming inauguration, a record amount as tech executives and big donors have eagerly written large checks.
Evers’ plan to let Wisconsin voters repeal and create state laws meets GOP resistance
Read full article: Evers’ plan to let Wisconsin voters repeal and create state laws meets GOP resistanceWisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to let voters repeal and create state laws without legislative involvement met opposition from the Republican leaders of the Legislature, who signaled that the idea is likely to be rejected for a second time.
Enhanced security measures in place for certification of Trump’s Electoral College victory on Monday
Read full article: Enhanced security measures in place for certification of Trump’s Electoral College victory on MondayThe congressional joint session to count electoral votes is expected to be much less eventful than the certification four years ago.
New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibuster
Read full article: New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibusterNew Senate Majority Leader John Thune is kicking off the new session with a promise to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader that his priority will be to “ensure the Senate stays the Senate.”.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's state legislative special elections
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's state legislative special electionsVirginia voters will begin the new year filling state Senate and House vacancies on Tuesday in a trio of special elections that could determine control of the narrowly divided chambers.
Fate of Trump's Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in Senate
Read full article: Fate of Trump's Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in SenateThe fate of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet is still unclear after Republican senators spent much of December carefully dodging questions.
Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing 'hurried' House action
Read full article: Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing 'hurried' House actionPresident Joe Biden has vetoed a once-bipartisan effort to add 66 new federal district judgeships.
Biden signs defense bill despite objections to ban on transgender health care for military children
Read full article: Biden signs defense bill despite objections to ban on transgender health care for military childrenPresident Joe Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law despite his objections to language banning transgender health care for military children.
Government shutdown is averted just after deadline as Congress rejects Trump's debt limit demands
Read full article: Government shutdown is averted just after deadline as Congress rejects Trump's debt limit demandsThe Senate has rushed through final passage of a bipartisan plan to fund federal operations and prevent a government shutdown.
The Latest: Schumer says Senate on course to pass bill before funding lapses at midnight
Read full article: The Latest: Schumer says Senate on course to pass bill before funding lapses at midnightWith hours to go before a midnight government shutdown, the House has approved a new plan from House Speaker Mike Johnson that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but dropped President-elect Donald Trump’s demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.
US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report finds
Read full article: US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsThe U.S. Commerce Department’s efforts to curb China’s and Russia’s access to American-made advanced computer chips have been “inadequate” and will need more funding to stymie their ability to manufacture advanced weapons.
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.
Florida Senate president proposes phasing out in-state tuition for ‘Dreamers’
Read full article: Florida Senate president proposes phasing out in-state tuition for ‘Dreamers’Senate President Ben Albritton on Monday suggested phasing out a decade-old law that allows some undocumented immigrant students, known as “Dreamers,” to receive in-state tuition rates at Florida universities and colleges.
As he prepares to leave leadership, McConnell challenges Trump on foreign policy
Read full article: As he prepares to leave leadership, McConnell challenges Trump on foreign policySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is challenging President-elect Donald Trump to reject the isolationist voices within their party and build his foreign policy around military strength.
Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell says
Read full article: Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell saysSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, said any of President-elect Donald Trump’s picks requiring Senate confirmation should “steer clear” of efforts to discredit the polio vaccine.
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Read full article: McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in CapitolSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is still suffering from the effects of a fall in the Senate earlier this week and is missing votes on Thursday due to leg stiffness, according to his office.
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Read full article: Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of peopleThe Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people.
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
Read full article: House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threatThe House has passed what was once a bipartisan effort to expand the number of federal district trial court judgeships across the country.
Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America
Read full article: Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of AmericaPresident-elect Donald Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world.
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026
Read full article: Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors
Read full article: House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsThe House has passed a measure that authorizes a 1% increase in spending this fiscal year and a double-digit pay raise for about half of the enlisted service members in the military.
McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is 'fine'
Read full article: McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is 'fine'Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon on Tuesday, the latest in a series of medical incidents for him in recent years.
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.
Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief
Read full article: Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chiefNearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have asked Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain
Read full article: Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainSenate Democrats reelected Chuck Schumer as party leader on Tuesday as the party moves into a deeply uncertain time, with no real consensus on a strategy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
NFL's Goodell and Commanders' Harris meet with lawmakers to talk about potential RFK stadium site
Read full article: NFL's Goodell and Commanders' Harris meet with lawmakers to talk about potential RFK stadium siteNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris have met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill as efforts push forward to secure access to the RFK Stadium site in the District of Columbia.
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.
Debbie Mayfield’s attempt to return to Florida Senate highlights loophole in state’s term limits
Read full article: Debbie Mayfield’s attempt to return to Florida Senate highlights loophole in state’s term limitsFlorida Rep. Debbie Mayfield has announced her candidacy for Florida Senate District 19, a seat she previously held before reaching the state’s term limits.
The Australian Senate debates the world's first social media ban for children under 16
Read full article: The Australian Senate debates the world's first social media ban for children under 16The Australian Senate is debating a ban on children younger than 16 from social media after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported the age restriction.
Australian father of teen sextortion victim backs banning young children from social media
Read full article: Australian father of teen sextortion victim backs banning young children from social mediaWayne Holdsworth became an advocate for banning Australian children younger than 16 from social media because his son took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam.
Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16
Read full article: Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16An advocate for major social media platforms has told Australia's Parliament that a plan to ban children younger than 16 from the sites should be delayed rather than being rushed to approval this week.
What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for labor secretary
Read full article: What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for labor secretaryPresident-elect Donald Trump has named Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions in her district but lost reelection in November.
Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjourns
Read full article: Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjournsThe Senate won’t hold votes on four of President Joe Biden’s appellate court nominees as part of a deal with Republicans to allow for speedier consideration of other judicial nominations.
McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leader
Read full article: McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leaderSen. Mitch McConnell says he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader.
The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the Senate
Read full article: The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the SenateThe leaders of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have declined to testify publicly at a scheduled Senate hearing on global national security threats.
Senate rejects effort from Bernie Sanders to block some weapons for Israel over Gaza deaths
Read full article: Senate rejects effort from Bernie Sanders to block some weapons for Israel over Gaza deathsThe Senate has rejected attempts by Sen. Bernie Sanders to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel.
Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surface
Read full article: Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surfaceAs senators prepare to consider Donald Trump’s picks for his Cabinet, they’ll likely be doing so without the FBI background checks that are staples of the confirmation process.
Australian senate censures Indigenous lawmaker who yelled at King Charles III
Read full article: Australian senate censures Indigenous lawmaker who yelled at King Charles IIIAustralian senators have voted to censure an Indigenous colleague who yelled at King Charles III during a reception in Parliament House last month.
Trump names Brendan Carr, senior GOP leader at FCC, to lead the agency
Read full article: Trump names Brendan Carr, senior GOP leader at FCC, to lead the agencyPresident-elect Donald Trump has named the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband.
Ruben Gallego did better than most Democrats. He says his party needs to stoke working class roots
Read full article: Ruben Gallego did better than most Democrats. He says his party needs to stoke working class rootsIncoming Democratic Senator-elect Ruben Gallego of Arizona says building authentic connections with working-class voters can help Democrats find their way back to power in Washington.
What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet?
Read full article: What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet?President-elect Donald Trump is considering recess appointments to skip over Senate confirmations for some of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government.
Liberals pressure Senate Democrats to confirm more Biden judges while they can
Read full article: Liberals pressure Senate Democrats to confirm more Biden judges while they canDemand Justice, a progressive organization focused on the judiciary, is set to bombard Capitol Hill with a message for the closing weeks of the 118th Congress: Do “whatever it takes” to confirm President Joe Biden’s nominees as a second Donald Trump presidency looms.
Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations
Read full article: Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominationsJust hours after Republican Sen. John Thune was elected as the incoming Senate majority leader, President-elect Donald Trump presented him with one of his first tests — an announcement that he intends to nominate House Republican Matt Gaetz as attorney general.
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.
Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next Congress
Read full article: Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next CongressCongress has a short but important to-do list as lawmakers return to Washington this coming week for what is known as a lame-duck session.
What Republican control over the Senate, and possibly the House, could mean for President-elect Trump’s agenda
Read full article: What Republican control over the Senate, and possibly the House, could mean for President-elect Trump’s agendaBeyond President-elect Donald Trump’s win, Republicans have taken control of the Senate with a little cushion above 50 seats. Meanwhile, the U.S. House was still in play Wednesday evening but leaning Republican.
Republican Rick Scott wins reelection for U.S. Senate from Florida
Read full article: Republican Rick Scott wins reelection for U.S. Senate from FloridaOne of the most closely monitored races in Florida this election is the race for the U.S. Senate, in which former U.S. Rep Debbie Murcasel-Powell is challenging first-term Republican Senator Rick Scott.
Former Rep. Mucarsel-Powell, Sen. Scott make final push in what’s projected to be one of Florida’s tightest races
Read full article: Former Rep. Mucarsel-Powell, Sen. Scott make final push in what’s projected to be one of Florida’s tightest racesOne of the most closely monitored races in Florida this election is the race for the U.S. Senate, in which former U.S. Rep Debbie Murcasel-Powell is challenging first-term Republican Senator Rick Scott.
Who will replace Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader? It remains deeply uncertain
Read full article: Who will replace Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader? It remains deeply uncertainSenate Republicans vying to replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell have been crossing the country to campaign and fundraise for colleagues, making their final arguments before an important upcoming Senate vote.
Ted Cruz, Colin Allred make spirited final pitches to Texas voters in Senate race
Read full article: Ted Cruz, Colin Allred make spirited final pitches to Texas voters in Senate raceRepublican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred are making their final pitches to Texas voters at campaign stops across the state as Election Day nears.
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.
Duterte’s jarring testimony into drug killings in Philippines relives a nightmare for many
Read full article: Duterte’s jarring testimony into drug killings in Philippines relives a nightmare for manyThe cockiness, expletives and threats unleashed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in a Senate inquiry brought back the nightmare of the bloody “war on drugs” for many families of the thousands of victims who were gunned down under his rule.
McConnell called Trump 'stupid' and 'despicable' in private after the 2020 election, a new book says
Read full article: McConnell called Trump 'stupid' and 'despicable' in private after the 2020 election, a new book saysSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said after the 2020 election that then-President Donald Trump was “stupid as well as being ill-tempered” and a “despicable human being."
Moreno's abortion comment rattles debate in expensive Senate race in Republican-leaning Ohio
Read full article: Moreno's abortion comment rattles debate in expensive Senate race in Republican-leaning OhioOhio's close Senate race took a twist recently when cellphone video surfaced of Republican Bernie Moreno criticizing women whose votes are driven by the abortion issue.
North Carolina lawmakers pass a $273M Helene relief bill with voting changes to more counties
Read full article: North Carolina lawmakers pass a $273M Helene relief bill with voting changes to more countiesNorth Carolina legislators have approved an initial $273 million relief package to help address Hurricane Helene’s devastation and recovery in the mountains.
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.
Casey, McCormick hammer home attacks in debate for Pennsylvania's battleground Senate race
Read full article: Casey, McCormick hammer home attacks in debate for Pennsylvania's battleground Senate raceDemocratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Republican challenger David McCormick have held the first debate in their race for a swing-state seat.
Czechs vote in the runoff election for a third of the seats in Parliament's upper house
Read full article: Czechs vote in the runoff election for a third of the seats in Parliament's upper houseCzechs are casting ballots in the second round of voting for a third of the seats in Parliament’s upper house.
Sophistication of AI-backed operation targeting senator points to future of deepfake schemes
Read full article: Sophistication of AI-backed operation targeting senator points to future of deepfake schemesAn advanced deepfake operation targeted Sen. Ben Cardin, the Democratic chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this month, according to the Office of Senate Security.
Bernie Sanders preparing resolutions to block $20B in US arms sales to Israel
Read full article: Bernie Sanders preparing resolutions to block $20B in US arms sales to IsraelU.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing a series of Senate resolutions that would stop more than $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel.