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Congress keeps holding all-nighters, creating dysfunction after dark

Congress keeps holding all-nighters, creating dysfunction after dark

Late-night votes are an age-old pressure tactic for congressional leaders in both major political parties
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New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Missing Amid Unspecified Health Concerns

New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Missing Amid Unspecified Health Concerns

New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. has been absent from Capitol Hill for nearly two months due to unspecified health issues, according to his team. Kean, a Republican, last voted on March 5 and has missed over four dozen votes since then. Despite his absence, he recently posted on social media about legislative progress, though he was not present for votes. Concerns about his whereabouts have grown, especially as the House faces close margins between Republicans and Democrats. Kean's absence is notable given his previous near-perfect attendance record and the competitive nature of his district.
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Kristen Welker Moderates Discussion with Senators Fetterman and Britt on Common Ground

Kristen Welker Moderates Discussion with Senators Fetterman and Britt on Common Ground

Kristen Welker, the moderator of Meet the Press, led a conversation with Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman and Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt. The discussion is part of NBC News' Common Ground initiative, which aims to foster bipartisan dialogue on pressing national issues. The conversation covered various topics, highlighting areas where the senators find common ground despite their political differences.
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New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Absent from Capitol Hill Due to Unspecified Health Issues

New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Absent from Capitol Hill Due to Unspecified Health Issues

New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. has been absent from Capitol Hill for nearly two months, with his team citing unspecified health issues as the reason. Kean, a Republican, last participated in a vote on March 5 and has since missed over four dozen votes. Despite his absence, Kean recently posted on social media about the progress of two of his bills in committee, although he was not present for votes on that day. Concerns about his whereabouts have grown, especially as Congress faces a session marked by illness and the deaths of several members. The House currently has a slim Republican majority, with 217 Republicans, one independent caucusing with the GOP, 212 Democrats, and five vacant seats. Kean's absence is particularly notable given his previously near-perfect attendance record and the competitive nature of his district.
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Georgia Democrat David Scott's Passing Leaves Congressional Vacancy

Georgia Democrat David Scott's Passing Leaves Congressional Vacancy

U.S. Representative David Scott, a Georgia Democrat and the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at the age of 80. Scott was seeking his 13th term in Congress and was a key figure in agricultural policy and a member of the Blue Dog coalition. His death creates a vacancy in the House, slightly widening the Republican majority. Scott's career was marked by his advocacy for farmers, veterans, and low-income families, and he was known for his bipartisan approach. His passing has prompted tributes from Democratic leaders and highlights the challenges of aging leadership within the party.
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Senate works into the night in latest effort to reopen Homeland Security Department

Senate works into the night in latest effort to reopen Homeland Security Department

The Senate is working through the night as Republicans are trying to pass funding for two immigration enforcement agencies over Democratic objections and reopen the Department of Homeland Security
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Congressional Disapproval Reaches Record High Amid Government Shutdown

Congressional Disapproval Reaches Record High Amid Government Shutdown

Americans' disapproval of Congress has reached a record high of 86%, according to a recent Gallup poll. This level of disapproval ties the previous record and comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces a prolonged shutdown, now in its 10th week. Historically, peaks in congressional disapproval have coincided with government shutdowns or threats thereof, such as the 2013 closure and a near-shutdown in 2015. The current disapproval may also be influenced by Republican frustration over stalled legislation, including the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, and broader tensions related to the U.S. conflict with Iran. Additionally, ethics scandals involving two members of Congress have contributed to the negative public sentiment. Congress has struggled with low approval ratings since 1974, with the current approval at just 10%, slightly above the all-time low of 9%.
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Tables turn as Republicans face gas-price attacks they once used on Democrats

Tables turn as Republicans face gas-price attacks they once used on Democrats

By Nathan Layne BRIGHTON, Michigan, April 22 (Reuters) - Tom Barrett tapped into voter frustration over high gas prices as part of his successful 2024 run for Congress in Michigan. Now the Republican is on the defensive on that same issue as Democrats see an opportunity to flip his seat.
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Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Amid Federal Charges

Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Amid Federal Charges

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, has resigned from Congress as she faced potential expulsion due to federal charges. Prosecutors allege that she and her brother misappropriated $5 million in federal disaster funds related to COVID-19 vaccinations. The House Ethics Committee found that some of these funds were used to finance her first congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied the allegations, criticizing the Ethics Committee's process as a 'witch hunt.' Her resignation comes amid a series of recent resignations in the House, including those of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, both under pressure from misconduct scandals.
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Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Amid Ethics Scandal and Indictment

Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Amid Ethics Scandal and Indictment

Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida has resigned from Congress following accusations of stealing $5 million in federal disaster aid. Her resignation comes amid a House Ethics Committee investigation that found her guilty of over two dozen ethics violations. The committee was set to recommend sanctions against her, but she chose to step down, citing a 'witch hunt' and a denial of due process. Her departure is part of a broader wave of resignations in Congress, with two other lawmakers stepping down recently due to separate allegations of misconduct.
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Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Before Ethics Sanctions Hearing, Avoids Expulsion Vote

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Before Ethics Sanctions Hearing, Avoids Expulsion Vote

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, resigned from Congress just minutes before a scheduled House Ethics Committee hearing that was set to determine her punishment for multiple ethics violations. Her resignation effectively ends the committee's jurisdiction over her case, which involved allegations of a 'straw donor scheme' and other financial misconduct during her congressional campaign. The Ethics Committee had found 'clear and convincing evidence' of 25 out of 27 alleged violations. Her resignation preempts a potential expulsion vote, which would have required a two-thirds majority in the House. The resignation also alleviates pressure on her Democratic colleagues, who were undecided on whether to support her expulsion. Cherfilus-McCormick, who was facing a separate criminal trial related to FEMA overpayments, stated that she could not defend herself adequately in the ethics probe while under indictment.