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Senator Jeff Merkley Advocates for Filibuster Reform to Address Senate Dysfunction

Senator Jeff Merkley Advocates for Filibuster Reform to Address Senate Dysfunction

Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, is leading an effort to reform the Senate filibuster, which he views as a significant contributor to the chamber's dysfunction. The filibuster, historically a tool for minority protection, has evolved into a mechanism of obstruction, often preventing legislative progress. Merkley argues that the current 'silent filibuster' allows senators to block legislation without public accountability, as they no longer need to physically hold the floor. This shift has placed the burden on the majority to overcome filibusters, requiring a supermajority of 60 votes to invoke cloture and end debate. Merkley proposes eliminating the silent filibuster, compelling senators to publicly debate and justify their opposition, thereby increasing transparency and public engagement.

Trump troop deployments to US cities have cost more than $340 million, senator says

Trump troop deployments to US cities have cost more than $340 million, senator says

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The deployment of U.S. troops to cities around the United States has cost more than $340 million, a U.S. Senator said on Thursday, highlighting the expense of President Donald Trump's use of the military in the Democratic-led cities.

The Latest: Senate rejects legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

The Latest: Senate rejects legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

The Senate has rejected two partisan health bills on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year

Senators clash over Trump's National Guard deployments as military leaders face questioning

Senators clash over Trump's National Guard deployments as military leaders face questioning

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are clashing over President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard in American cities

Stephen Miller Criticized for Timing of Stock Sales Following Trump Administration Deal

Stephen Miller Criticized for Timing of Stock Sales Following Trump Administration Deal

Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff and a close ally of President Trump, is facing scrutiny over his recent sale of shares in MP Materials, a mining company. This sale occurred shortly after the Trump administration announced a significant $400 million investment in the company, which caused its stock price to surge. Miller sold between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of shares on August 14, after the stock price had risen from $30.03 to a peak of $76.58. Although Miller's actions do not appear to violate any laws, ethics experts have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given his senior position in the administration. The White House has stated that Miller divested from his stock holdings in coordination with the Office of Government Ethics, and he was not involved in the negotiations between the administration and MP Materials.

US judge says Trump must end National Guard deployment in Los Angeles

US judge says Trump must end National Guard deployment in Los Angeles

Dec 10 (Reuters) - A federal judge in California on Wednesday ordered an end to Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and directed that they be returned to the control of the state's Democratic governor, finding that the Republican president had exceeded his authority.

Democratic Candidates Vie for Oregon's Competitive 52nd House District Seat

Democratic Candidates Vie for Oregon's Competitive 52nd House District Seat

Three Democratic candidates are competing for Oregon's 52nd House District, a seat known for its competitiveness. The candidates include teachers Nick Walden Poublon and David Osborn, and Hank Sanders, a legislative aide. The district, which runs along the Columbia River Gorge, has more registered Democrats than Republicans, but a significant number of nonaffiliated voters often determine the outcome. The incumbent, Republican Jeff Helfrich, is running for a state Senate seat, leaving the House seat open. The candidates are focusing on issues such as the rising cost of living, housing, healthcare, and education. Walden Poublon emphasizes workforce housing and retrofitting homes for wildfire resistance. Osborn highlights affordable housing and the impact of federal budget cuts on state funding. Sanders, who recently moved to the district, focuses on housing availability and affordability.

Senate to question military leaders on Trump's National Guard deployments

Senate to question military leaders on Trump's National Guard deployments

The Senate is set to question military leaders over President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard to American cities

Congress Reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools Funding, Impacting Rural Communities

Congress Reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools Funding, Impacting Rural Communities

The U.S. Congress has voted to renew the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, a critical funding source for rural counties and schools, which had lapsed for nearly two years. The House of Representatives passed the reauthorization with a 399-5 vote, following a unanimous Senate vote in June. This act, originally authored by Senator Ron Wyden, has historically provided financial support to rural areas that rely on revenue from natural resource industries on public lands. Since its expiration, states have lost over $207 million in funding, with Oregon experiencing the largest deficit. The renewed act will provide lapsed payments for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years and extend funding through September 2026.

Stephen Miller Faces Ethics Scrutiny Over Stock Sales in Mining Company Post-Trump Deal

Stephen Miller Faces Ethics Scrutiny Over Stock Sales in Mining Company Post-Trump Deal

Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to President Trump, is under scrutiny for selling stocks in MP Materials, a mining company, shortly after a significant deal was announced by the Trump administration. The stock sale, valued between $50,000 and $100,000, has raised ethical concerns among watchdog groups and political observers. These groups question whether Miller's financial interests influenced government decisions, as MP Materials benefited from a strategic announcement by the administration. Miller, who has previously faced criticism for holding stocks in companies affected by government policies, denies direct involvement in the negotiations of the deal.

Democratic Primary Intensifies for Oregon's Competitive 52nd House District

Democratic Primary Intensifies for Oregon's Competitive 52nd House District

The Democratic primary for Oregon's 52nd House District is heating up with three candidates vying for the seat. Nick Walden Poublon, David Osborn, and Hank Sanders are competing in a district known for its competitiveness. The seat is currently held by Republican Jeff Helfrich, who is running for a state Senate seat. The district, which stretches along the Columbia River Gorge, has more registered Democrats than Republicans, but nonaffiliated voters often decide the outcome. The candidates are focusing on issues like housing affordability, healthcare, and education. The primary is set to be a closely watched race as it could influence the balance of power in the state legislature.

Senate heads toward dueling partisan votes on health care, with each likely to fail

Senate heads toward dueling partisan votes on health care, with each likely to fail

The Senate is heading toward dueling partisan votes on health care this week