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Attendance data shows where Tennessee lawmakers rank in Congress

Attendance data shows where Tennessee lawmakers rank in Congress

Which of Tennessee's U.S. senators and representatives has the highest voting attendence record? And who's missed more votes than Nancy Pelosi?
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Senator Cortez Masto Introduces Bill to Expand Food Assistance for Tribal Households

Senator Cortez Masto Introduces Bill to Expand Food Assistance for Tribal Households

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, alongside Senator Patty Murray, has introduced the Tribal Access to Nutrition Assistance Act. This legislation aims to expand food assistance to tribal households in Nevada and across the United States. The bill proposes allowing individuals eligible for both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) to utilize both programs within the same month. This initiative seeks to alleviate the administrative burden of choosing between the two programs monthly, thereby enhancing food security among Tribal communities. Cortez Masto highlighted the importance of this legislation, especially in light of previous reductions in SNAP benefits due to the Republican tax bill.
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Senate Democrats Demand Investigation into Trump Administration's IRS Audit Practices

Senate Democrats Demand Investigation into Trump Administration's IRS Audit Practices

Senate Democrats, led by Senate Finance Committee members and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, have called for an investigation into potential political interference in IRS audits during the Trump administration. The request, directed to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), follows reports that Kenneth Kies, a senior Treasury Department and IRS official, was allegedly forced out after raising concerns about political influence over tax audits. The Democrats' letter highlights the need to examine whether White House officials attempted to influence IRS audits or investigations, potentially violating federal laws designed to protect the independence of the tax agency.
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Senators Murray and Cortez Masto Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Food Assistance for Tribal Households

Senators Murray and Cortez Masto Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Food Assistance for Tribal Households

U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Catherine Cortez Masto have reintroduced the Tribal Access to Nutrition Assistance Act, aimed at expanding food assistance for Tribal families. The legislation allows individuals eligible for both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) to utilize both programs simultaneously. This initiative seeks to address the higher rates of food insecurity among Tribal communities compared to the general public. The act aims to eliminate the administrative burden that forces eligible individuals to choose between programs each month, thereby increasing food security and reducing red tape. The legislation is supported by various Tribal organizations and aims to provide meaningful relief to Tribal families, enhancing food security, economic stability, and community health.
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Senate Proposes New Cyber Governance Structure Amid Calls for Cyber Force

Senate Proposes New Cyber Governance Structure Amid Calls for Cyber Force

The U.S. Senate has proposed the creation of a new Undersecretary of Defense for Cyber, Information, and Networks to address governance issues in cyber operations. This official would consolidate defense and operational advisory functions, aiming to improve accountability and efficiency in cyber warfare. The proposal comes amid discussions on establishing a separate Cyber Force, which the Senate narrowly declined. The focus is on resolving governance challenges before considering the formation of a new military service dedicated to cyber operations.
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U.S. House Approves Budget with Farm Aid Amid Senate Uncertainty

U.S. House Approves Budget with Farm Aid Amid Senate Uncertainty

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a budget framework that includes significant new farm assistance, totaling $12 billion, alongside funding for the Iran war. The $95 billion budget was approved on a narrow party-line vote. However, the measure faces a challenging path in the Senate, where Republicans have indicated it will not advance without substantial modifications. House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson emphasized the urgent need for this assistance, citing $80 billion in uncovered farm losses since 2023, despite existing commodity program payments and the Bridge Assistance Program initiated by President Trump. Senate Republican Leader John Thune has suggested that the budget may face a 'dead end' unless it can be used as a vehicle for a continuing resolution to fund the government.
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Judge Daniel Traynor Confirmed to Eighth Circuit Court Amid Controversy

Judge Daniel Traynor Confirmed to Eighth Circuit Court Amid Controversy

Daniel Traynor, a district judge from North Dakota appointed by President Trump, has been confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Traynor's confirmation was narrowly approved by the Senate, with a 48-47 vote. His appointment has been controversial due to his previous decision to boycott hiring law clerks from Columbia University over its handling of Israel-Hamas War protests. The Eighth Circuit, based in St. Louis, will now have a majority of judges appointed by President Trump, marking a significant shift in its judicial composition.
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Congressman Chris Pappas Introduces Legislation to Expedite Weatherization Funding Amid Energy Cost Concerns

Congressman Chris Pappas Introduces Legislation to Expedite Weatherization Funding Amid Energy Cost Concerns

Congressman Chris Pappas, alongside Congressman Mike Lawler, has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expediting the distribution of funds from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP). This move comes in response to delays by the U.S. Department of Energy in distributing over $400 million in grant funding, despite rising energy costs. The proposed legislation, known as the Investing in State Energy Act, seeks to ensure that these funds are distributed promptly to state agencies and local partners. The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Paul Tonko and has a Senate companion led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The legislation aims to provide timely financial assistance to improve energy efficiency in homes, particularly benefiting low-income families, older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
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Proposed Permanent Daylight Saving Time Raises Concerns for Jewish Prayer Practices

Proposed Permanent Daylight Saving Time Raises Concerns for Jewish Prayer Practices

The U.S. Senate is considering the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which proposes making Daylight Saving Time permanent across most states. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan, has already passed the House of Representatives and is supported by President Trump. The proposed change has raised concerns among Orthodox Jewish communities, as it would delay sunrise times, affecting the timing of morning prayers. Jewish rituals, including morning prayers, are traditionally aligned with natural dawn, and a permanent shift in daylight hours could disrupt these practices. Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union and Rabbi A.D. Motzen of Agudath Israel of America have expressed concerns that later sunrises would make it difficult for observant Jews to attend morning prayers and meet work or school obligations.
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Bipartisan Bill to Enhance U.S. Aviation Innovation Advances in Senate

Bipartisan Bill to Enhance U.S. Aviation Innovation Advances in Senate

Bipartisan Bill to Enhance U.S. Aviation Innovation Advances in Senate
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Senator Bennet and Senate Democrats Demand Investigation into Alleged IRS Political Interference

Senator Bennet and Senate Democrats Demand Investigation into Alleged IRS Political Interference

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with Senate Democrats, is calling for an independent investigation into potential political interference in IRS audits by officials from the Trump Administration. This request follows the departure of a top IRS official who reportedly raised concerns about such interference. The senators, including Ron Wyden and Chuck Schumer, have written to the Treasury Department's independent investigators, urging them to examine whether federal laws prohibiting political influence over tax audits were violated. The inquiry is particularly focused on reports that a senior official was forced out after raising these concerns. The Democrats have been vocal about their suspicions that President Trump may have used the IRS to benefit himself and his allies while targeting opponents.
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Tax Fraud Cases Highlight Widespread Financial Crimes Across the U.S.

Tax Fraud Cases Highlight Widespread Financial Crimes Across the U.S.

Recent tax fraud cases across the United States have brought to light various schemes involving false tax returns and embezzlement. In Miami, Joseph Stewart pleaded guilty to evading taxes on millions earned from internet services provided to servicemembers abroad. In Michigan, Erin Patti-Coveyou admitted to underreporting income and embezzling funds, resulting in significant tax losses. Other cases include Bianca Cobbins in Missouri, who was involved in making false statements to financial institutions, and a conspiracy in Georgia where two men attempted to fraudulently claim New York film tax credits. These cases reflect a broader pattern of financial crimes involving tax evasion and fraudulent claims.