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.
Washington
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.
Justices urged to keep gun ban to protect domestic violence survivors
The law requires restraining orders in domestic violence cases to be filed with the national background check system. Such orders are one criteria for halting the purchase of a gun.
Maryland’s O’Malley, Biden’s nominee to head Social Security, gets friendly Senate reception
WASHINGTON – Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley told senators Thursday that if he is confirmed as the new commissioner of the Social Security Administration, he would focus on improving service and boosting the morale of the sprawling agency. “We can and…
Top FBI and Homeland Security officials warn of higher terrorism threat in US
WASHINGTON – The FBI’s director and the secretary of homeland security told Congress Tuesday that the United States faces increased threats from extremists amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. “We assess that the actions of Hamas and its…
With war in Gaza raging, Senate confirms Jack Lew as new US envoy to Israel
WASHINGTON – The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel. The move comes amid the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East as war rages between Israel and Hamas. The vote for confirmation was 53-43,…
Maryland’s Sarbanes won’t seek reelection to the House next year
Elected to the House in 2006, Sarbanes represents Maryland’s 3rd District, which includes Annapolis, Howard County and portions of Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties.