Members of Congress are renewing efforts to reckon with the nation’s racial past, reintroducing legislation that could create a commission to study and possibly offer reparations to descendants of slaves. Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-California,…
Washington
Bill to expand protections for LGBTQ Americans faces hurdles in the Senate
The Senate is considering House-passed legislation that would broaden federal protections for LGBTQ Americans against discrimination in housing, employment and public services ranging from retail stores to doctors’ offices. Advocates for the Equality Act are hoping chances for final passage…
A Georgetown student group helps moms in Guatemala earn a living
Washington- Student group Project Olas launched a Spanish learning program, exactly a year ago, in order to help moms in Guatemala earn some extra money. In exchange, the program has helped students become better Spanish speakers just by having one-hour…
Judges and experts say judiciary needs greater racial and gender diversity
Judges from all levels of the U.S. court system and legal experts told a congressional panel Thursday that the federal judiciary needed greater racial and gender diversity. “I feel there is a cost when voices are missing from the room,”…
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…
House clears two gun safety bills, but Senate may be roadblock
The House sent two bills to the Senate Thursday that would implement universal background checks and close the loophole linked to the 2015 mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. “Gun violence is devastating our communities. Every day, 30 people are…
Senate gets landmark voting legislation, but partisanship poses steep challenges
A House-passed package overhauling voting, improving election security and reforming campaign finance laws is now in the Senate, where deep partisan divisions spell an uncertain fate for the landmark bill. H.R. 1, also known as the For the People Act of 2021, is…
Democrats want total ban on members carrying guns in the U.S. Capitol
In the wake of the Jan. 6 assault on the United States Capitol and some members of Congress carrying firearms near the House floor, Democratic lawmakers are proposing a ban on guns in Congress. “I’ve been pushing for years to…
Biden administration attempts to revive Iran nuclear talks, but tensions persist
The Biden administration’s attempts to revive talks with Iran over curbing its nuclear program are complicated by continuing tensions over human rights abuses, the unsolved fate of the longest-held American hostage, Iranian proxy attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, and…
Consumer groups ask for more targeted poultry inspections to curb contamination
In a petition submitted to the Agriculture Department, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Reports, the Consumer Federation of America and STOP Foodborne Illness are urging the USDA to prevent the continued contamination of poultry with salmonella and campylobacter, two of the most common causes of food-borne illness in the United States.