Senate approves bill aimed at combating hate crimes against Asian Americans

On a nearly unanimous vote, the Senate Thursday passed legislation aimed at speeding federal investigations of hate crimes against Asian Americans related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Passing the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act sends a clear and unmistakable message of solidarity…

In Washington, Chauvin guilty verdict is call to pass police reform measures

After a jury on Tuesday found former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic congressional leaders saw the verdict as a call to enact new laws against nationwide police brutality.

Biden takes actions aimed at curbing gun violence ‘epidemic’

The president’s moves came in the wake of two mass shootings — one on March 16 in Atlanta, where eight people were killed, and the other on March 22 in Colorado, where 10 lives were lost.

Democrats in Congress search for a compromise on minimum wage

The battle over increasing the minimum wage continues as congressional Democrats attempt to negotiate a compromise that might be less than their initial $15 per hour plan. Democrats in February were forced to remove their proposed $15 minimum wage from…

Van Hollen, other lawmakers want to block permanent U.S. Capitol fencing

The United States Capitol has been surrounded by fencing since just after the deadly Jan. 6 assault on the building, but Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and other lawmakers want to make sure the barriers do not become permanent. “We…

Lawmakers launch new effort at tightening background checks on gun sales

Amidst a surge in firearms sales, lawmakers in the Senate and House have introduced legislation expanding background checks for all gun purchases. “Background checks are simple, easy, and they save lives. That’s why more than 90 percent of Americans support…

Senators warned a Trump acquittal would embolden future challenges to democracy

WASHINGTON – House impeachment managers on Thursday closed their arguments for convicting former President Donald Trump on a charge of inciting an insurrection by warning the Senate that an acquittal would embolden that same president, should he return, or a successor to mount a future violent…