May 23 WATCH: Senate GOP blocks border bill as Democrats underscore Republican resistance By Stephen Groves, Rebecca Santana, Associated Press The legislation, negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators, was already rejected by most Republicans in February when it was linked to a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. Continue reading
Mar 15 Biden backs Schumer after senator calls for new elections in Israel By Chris Megerian, Associated Press It's the latest sign that the U.S. relationship with its closest Middle East ally is careening toward fracture over the war in Gaza. Continue reading
Mar 14 WATCH: Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, says Netanyahu is obstacle to two-state solution By Mary Clare Jalonick, Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way” in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and a growing humanitarian crisis there. Continue reading
Mar 03 House and Senate leaders reach deal on 6 spending bills in push to avoid partial shutdown By Kevin Freking, Associated Press Congressional leaders on Sunday came out with a package of six bills setting full-year spending levels for some federal agencies, a step forward in a long overdue funding process beset by sharp political divisions between the two parties as well… Continue reading
Feb 28 Congressional leaders reach a tentative deal to avoid government shutdown, but Ukraine aid stalls By Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking, Associated Press Under the plan, Congress would temporarily extend funding for one set of federal agencies through March 8 and for another through March 22. It is contingent on Republicans and Democrats agreeing to a broader funding plan for the remainder of… Continue reading
Feb 27 Biden urges congressional leaders to avoid a shutdown and send aid to Ukraine and Israel By Colleen Long, Darlene Superville, Associated Press “The need is urgent,” President Joe Biden said of the Ukraine aid. “The consequences of inaction every day in Ukraine are dire."… Continue reading
Feb 25 Biden invites top congressional leaders to meet and discuss Ukraine, government funding By Seung Min Kim, Associated Press President Biden will convene the top four congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday to press lawmakers on passing an emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel, as well as averting a looming government shutdown next month, according to a White House official. Continue reading
Feb 23 In Ukraine, Schumer challenges Speaker Johnson to ‘rise to the occasion’ and pass more U.S. aid By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Schumer's surprise trip comes as Zelenskyy has said that delays in aid from the U.S. and other Western countries are opening a door for Russian battlefield advances. Continue reading
Feb 07 WATCH: Schumer brings border bill and Ukraine and Israel aid bill to floor, challenges GOP to vote By Stephen Groves, Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Roughly $60 billion in Ukraine aid has been stalled in Congress for months amid opposition from hardline conservatives who criticize it as wasteful. Continue reading
Jan 07 Leaders in Congress reach agreement on spending levels in key step to avoiding shutdown By Kevin Freking, Associated Press In a letter to colleagues, House Speaker Johnson said Sunday the agreement would secure $16 billion in additional spending cuts from the previous agreement brokered by then-Speaker McCarthy and President Joe Biden and is about $30 billion less than what… Continue reading