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…
Washington
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.
Biden and congressional Democrats try 180-degree turn on immigration
Using executive orders and new legislative proposals, the Biden administration is attempting a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s immigration system – changes that are aimed at reversing the policies of the Donald Trump years. “We are dedicated to achieving and,…
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…
Biden’s COVID relief plan includes $130 billion to help schools reopen
President Joe Biden’s $130 billion school reopening plan focuses on making schools safer for teachers and students, although returning to school remains a contentious and difficult issue. Reopening the majority of K-8 schools within his first 100 days in office…
D.C. statehood backers mobilize behind legislation that faces tough odds
Advocates for making the District of Columbia the 51st state have introduced bills with record numbers of sponsors in Congress, but it still will take a hefty effort to win a final victory on an issue that has dogged the…