For decades, the Peace Corps has been championed as a hallmark of cultural exchange and international service. In recent years, the agency has also faced problems with mental health discrimination, sexual assault and racial bias. Some reforms are included in bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last summer.
Washington
Senate panel gives thumbs up to Maryland’s O’Malley as next Social Security commissioner
The Senate Finance Committee voted 17–10 Tuesday to advance to the full Senate the nomination of former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley to be the next commissioner of the Social Security Administration. O’Malley’s nomination now awaits a confirmation vote by the full Senate. If confirmed, O’Malley would head the federal agency for a term ending in January 2025.
The lights are up and Washington’s Downtown Holiday Market is open
Located along F Street N.W. between 7th and 9th Streets, next to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.’s Holiday Market is open.
Endangered Species Act at 50: wins, losses and controversy
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, one the the most influential conservation laws in U.S. history. But, the occasion is marred by 21 species newly classified as extinct.
Vogel leads in fundraising, spending in Maryland’s US House 6th District race
Vogel has raised $252,813, putting him above his fellow Democrats — and also above all Republicans running for the seat.
Lawmakers try again to set a vote on Puerto Rico’s status
The Puerto Rico Status Act authorizes the island territory of over 3 million residents to hold a federally-binding referendum to choose among three options: statehood, independence, or sovereignty in free association with the United States.
Election takeaway: abortion remains a potent issue for voters
WASHINGTON – Tuesday’s elections brought multiple victories for reproductive rights advocates, a strong sign that abortion access will be a durable issue and a motivating factor for many voters in 2024. “In case it wasn’t already blindingly obvious before, the abortion issue in a post-Dobbs political environment…
FBI headquarters move to Maryland faces new headwinds from agency and Congress
The years-long debate over the location of the new FBI headquarters seems to be continuing, notwithstanding Wednesday’s announcement by the General Services Administration.
Lawmakers take aim at social media disinformation
Many Americans support tech companies intervening to block disinformation, according to a 2023 survey.
Senate foreign relations panel indicates support for more Ukraine aid
A State Department official told the committee in a hearing that the $64.1 billion spending request would let Ukraine put all of its tax dollars toward the war.