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Senator Durbin Criticizes Senate's Focus on Nominations Over Legislation

Senator Durbin Criticizes Senate's Focus on Nominations Over Legislation

Senator Dick Durbin, a long-serving Democratic whip from Illinois, has expressed concerns about the U.S. Senate's increasing focus on nominations rather than legislation. According to a review by NOTUS, the Senate has been voting more frequently on Cabinet and judicial appointments than on legislative matters, a trend that has been growing since the Senate lowered the threshold for most federal judges and executive branch nominations to a simple majority in 2013. By the end of 2024, nominations accounted for over 60% of roll-call votes, compared to less than 20% before 2013. Durbin noted that this shift has detracted from the Senate's legislative responsibilities. Political scientists attribute this change to increased polarization and a reduction in competitive seats, which has made bipartisan collaboration less appealing.

Senate Faces Resistance on Permanent Daylight Saving Time Proposal

Senate Faces Resistance on Permanent Daylight Saving Time Proposal

A bill to make daylight saving time permanent across most of the United States is encountering significant opposition in the Senate, despite support from President Trump and a strong majority in the House. The Sunshine Protection Act, which passed the House with a 308-117 vote, aims to eliminate the biannual clock changes. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the proposal faces substantial resistance, requiring 60 votes to advance. Proponents, including Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott, argue that permanent daylight saving time would simplify daily life and benefit businesses and tourism. However, opposition is bipartisan, with concerns about children going to school in the dark during winter months. Senators from northern states, such as South Dakota's Mike Rounds, have voiced concerns about late sunrises. Religious groups have also raised objections, citing disruptions to morning prayers.

House to Consider Continuing Resolution to Extend Federal Funding Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

House to Consider Continuing Resolution to Extend Federal Funding Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to consider a continuing resolution (CR) this week to extend funding for federal programs until December 4. This measure is intended to prevent a government shutdown as Congress has not finalized the fiscal year 2027 spending bills. The CR would maintain funding at current levels, allowing more time for negotiations. House Democrats, led by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, are awaiting a list of 'anomalies' from the White House, which would identify programs needing short-term funding boosts. The Senate is also preparing a CR, with ongoing debates over spending priorities, particularly between defense and non-defense allocations.

ICE Detains Army Veteran's Wife During Green Card Interview, Leading to Imminent Deportation

ICE Detains Army Veteran's Wife During Green Card Interview, Leading to Imminent Deportation

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Airida Gould, a Lithuanian national married to a U.S. Army veteran, during a green card interview in May. Gould, who has lived in the U.S. since 2000 and has three U.S.-born children, was taken into custody due to a prior removal order from 2009. Her husband, Mark Gould, reported that she is expected to be deported to Europe. The detention occurred after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved their marriage petition, confirming the legitimacy of their marriage. Gould is currently held in a detention facility in Kentucky, having been transferred from Illinois and Indiana. Her legal team has filed an Emergency Motion to Reopen with the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Kevin Hern's Senate Bid Raises Questions Over Veteran Benefits Vote

Kevin Hern's Senate Bid Raises Questions Over Veteran Benefits Vote

Kevin Hern, a Republican representative from Oklahoma, is seeking a promotion to the U.S. Senate. His voting record on H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, has come under scrutiny. The bill, which Hern supported, proposed new veteran benefits but also included reductions in future disability compensation to fund these benefits. This has raised concerns about Hern's stance on veteran support, as the bill would have affected future claims for conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea. All five Oklahoma Republicans in the U.S. House voted to advance the bill, which was ultimately postponed due to opposition from veterans' organizations.

US states, New York City sue EPA for relaxing climate rule over hydrofluorocarbons

US states, New York City sue EPA for relaxing climate rule over hydrofluorocarbons

By Jonathan Stempel July 21 (Reuters) - The Trump administration was sued on Tuesday by 18 Democratic-led states, Washington, D.C. and New York City over a new federal rule they say would harm the climate by giving companies more time to stop using dangerous hydrofluorocarbons in commercial

Trump administration sued by rights groups over attempted childcare funding cuts

Trump administration sued by rights groups over attempted childcare funding cuts

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, July 20 (Reuters) - Civil rights groups said they filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration on Monday over the government's attempt to restrict federal childcare and family assistance funding.

U.S. House Passes Miller-Meeks' Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Breast Cancer Education and Screening for Young Women

U.S. House Passes Miller-Meeks' Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Breast Cancer Education and Screening for Young Women

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., aimed at reauthorizing the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act. This legislation focuses on breast cancer education, early detection, and prevention for young women. Originally enacted in 2009, the EARLY Act supports public education campaigns and partnerships to increase awareness of breast cancer risks, particularly among young women at higher risk due to family history or genetic factors. The bill also includes the SCREENS for Cancer Act, which reauthorizes a grant program to ensure access to breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. The bill, endorsed by organizations such as the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation and the American Cancer Society, now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Federal Procurement Modernization Bill Passes House

Federal Procurement Modernization Bill Passes House

Federal Procurement Modernization Bill Passes House

Senator says US daylight saving time bill faces tough fight

Senator says US daylight saving time bill faces tough fight

By David Shepardson FARNBOROUGH, England, July 20 (Reuters) - A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week to make daylight saving time permanent will face a tough fight in the Senate to win approval, a lawmaker said Monday.

America already tried permanent daylight saving time. It lasted less than a year. Could it work now?

America already tried permanent daylight saving time. It lasted less than a year. Could it work now?

The twice-yearly changing of the clocks could be a thing of the past if legislation currently in Congress that calls for permanent daylight time makes it through

House Bill Led by Clay Higgins and Troy Carter Advances to Floor Vote for Food Safety

House Bill Led by Clay Higgins and Troy Carter Advances to Floor Vote for Food Safety

A bipartisan legislative effort led by Congressmen Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Troy Carter (D-LA) is advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 2715, aims to enhance the U.S. food safety system by granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to destroy imported food products that pose significant public health risks. This measure seeks to close a loophole that currently allows exporters to redirect dangerous imports to other ports, potentially re-entering the U.S. market. The bill is scheduled for a vote under the House's suspension of the rules procedure, which is reserved for non-controversial bills and requires a two-thirds majority for passage. The Southern Shrimp Alliance, a key supporter, highlights the FDA's ongoing challenges with imported food products containing banned substances.