senate

A Senate rules change flying under the radar

By Lisa Desjardins

Senate Majority Leader John Thune started the process this week to change a core Senate function — the way the chamber approves a president’s nominees.

WATCH: Thune won't commit to Senate vote on Epstein files in Senate leadership briefing

By Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., won’t commit to a Senate vote on legislation that would require the Justice Department to release files on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. But he said that he believes “transparency is always…

Senate will change rules to push Trump's nominees past Democratic delays, Thune says

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Republicans are ready to change the chamber’s rules to allow quick confirmations of dozens of President Donald Trump’s executive branch nominees and will move to speed up votes after months of Democratic delays.

Fact-checking RFK Jr.'s claim that 'everybody can get' the COVID-19 vaccine

By Grace Abels, Maria Ramirez Uribe, PolitiFact

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s blanket statement to senators is misleading and premature.

Government shutdown looms as Congress returns after monthlong August recess

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Associated Press

The annual spending battle will dominate the September agenda, along with conversations among Senate Republicans about changing the chamber's rules to thwart Democratic stalling tactics on President Donald Trump's nominations.

Trump and Republican senators fight over 'blue slip process' for judicial nominees

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

Senate Republicans have been unbowed, arguing they used blue slips to their own benefit when Democrat Joe Biden was president.

Sherrod Brown expected to seek his return to the Senate in 2026

By Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press

Brown, Ohio’s best-known Democrat, is expected to make another run for the U.S. Senate next year, giving Democrats a likely boost as they wage an uphill fight to win control of the chamber.

Mitch McConnell's legacy comes under fire in Kentucky Senate race to replace him

By Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press

Towering over Kentucky politics for decades, McConnell is regarded as the master strategist behind the GOP’s rise to power in a state long dominated by Democrats.

Senators highlight importance of working across the aisle in mission to fight wildfires

By Amna Nawaz, Kyle Midura

With razor-thin GOP majorities in the House and Senate, many lawmakers are retreating to their political corners rather than seeking out compromise. But one bipartisan duo is bucking the trend, arguing their disaster prevention proposal can overcome political dysfunction. Amna…

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Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper announces run for Senate in North Carolina

By Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, giving Democrats a proven statewide winner in an open-seat race that is expected to be one of the most competitive 2026 contests.