Dec 20 It's a done deal: Congress wraps up massive tax package By Stephen Ohlemacher and Marcy Gordon, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans delivered an epic overhaul of U.S. tax laws to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, bringing generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans while providing smaller cuts for middle- and low-income families. Continue reading
Dec 18 Sen. McCain says he's feeling well, vows return to Senate in January By Jonathan Lemire, Associated Press The 81-year senator returned home to Arizona after being treated for a viral infection. He had missed votes last week and will miss a crucial vote on the GOP tax bill this week. Continue reading
Dec 17 Treasury chief can't rule out shutdown, but expects deal By Associated Press Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he can't rule out a possible government shutdown later this week if Congress deadlocks on another temporary Washington spending bill, but thinks it's unlikely. Continue reading
Dec 13 Rep. Diane Black says she was sexually harassed in the Tennessee legislature By Jonathan Mattise, Associated Press U.S. Rep. Diane Black says Congress needs to expose federal lawmakers who settled cases, force them to repay any tax dollars involved and ban such taxpayer-funded settlements going forward. Continue reading
Dec 08 Former aide says Arizona Rep. Franks offered her $5 million to carry his child By Associated Press The eight-term lawmaker abruptly resigned Friday, bowing to an ultimatum from House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Ryan told Franks that he would refer the allegations to the Ethics Committee and urged him to step aside. Continue reading
Dec 06 Watch 2:56 House passes major gun bill as senators debate bump-stock regulation By PBS News Hour The gun debate took center stage on Capitol Hill Wednesday, as the House passed its first major piece of gun legislation since two of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. While the bill tightens the national background check system,… Continue watching
Nov 27 Watch 7:43 CBO report predicts GOP tax plan would hammer poorest Americans By PBS News Hour Congress returns from Thanksgiving to face an extreme to-do list for next month, including funding the government and voting on a tax plan. That comes on the heels of a public apology by Sen. Al Franken after allegations of groping… Continue watching
Nov 14 Watch 8:20 Rep. Speier: Sexual harassment continues on Capitol Hill because people get away with it By PBS News Hour House members confronted the seriousness of sexual harassment on Capitol Hill at a hearing on Tuesday, as two congresswomen shared their perspectives on the problem's pervasiveness. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., has spoken out about being assaulted as a young congressional… Continue watching
Nov 10 How the tax code overhaul could slam higher ed By Ted Afield, The Conversation The tax code overhaul pending in Congress is littered with provisions that would make it a lot harder for most Americans to go to college or grad school, writes Ted Afield, director of the Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic… Continue reading
Nov 06 Debate over these bills could lead to a government shutdown By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press An early December government shutdown is a real possibility, since a divided Congress can't agree on military spending, Democrats insist on help for young immigrants and President Donald Trump's position can change with each lawmaker he talks to. Continue reading