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Democratic US senators see hope for permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote

Democratic US senators see hope for permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote

Nov 9 (Reuters) - Democratic US Senators Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island rallied on Monday for a bipartisan energy permitting bill ahead of a preliminary vote, arguing recent changes to the legislation and assurances from the Trump administration on stalled wind

House Committee Advances Bill Proposing New Annual Federal Fee for EV Owners

House Committee Advances Bill Proposing New Annual Federal Fee for EV Owners

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved a bipartisan draft of a transportation funding bill, the BUILD America 250 Act, which includes a new annual federal fee for electric vehicle (EV) owners. This proposed fee would start at $130 annually and could increase by $5 each year, reaching a maximum of $150. Owners of plug-in hybrids would face a $35 fee, potentially rising to $50 by 2031. The measure aims to address the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund, which is primarily funded by gasoline taxes that EV drivers do not pay. The current surface transportation funding is set to expire on December 11, and if the larger bill passes both the House and Senate, EV owners could begin paying this fee as early as December. The fee would be collected when owners register their vehicles, differing from mileage-based proposals that have raised privacy concerns. Representative Sam Graves, Chair of the U.S. House Transportation Committee, stated that the fee ensures EV owners contribute the...

House Passes American Enrichment Deployment Act to Expedite Uranium Plant Construction

House Passes American Enrichment Deployment Act to Expedite Uranium Plant Construction

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 9612, the American Enrichment Deployment Act, introduced by Representative Russell Fry. The bill aims to revise the licensing procedures for uranium enrichment facilities in the United States. Specifically, it would allow the construction of such facilities to commence before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completes its full licensing process, provided the construction adheres to general rules applicable to other licensed fuel cycle facilities. The legislation passed with a significant majority, 394-3. This measure is intended to accelerate the timeline for building uranium enrichment plants, making the construction phase less dependent on the final license decision. The bill does not alter the NRC's authority to review, approve, or deny licenses, nor does it change environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the right to a hearing for affected parties. It mandates the NRC to update its regulations within...

Explainer-How would impeaching Pentagon chief Hegseth work?

Explainer-How would impeaching Pentagon chief Hegseth work?

By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could be impeached by the House of Representatives this week on charges of abusing his power, including by going to war with Iran without an imminent threat or congressional approval.

Rep. Mark Takano Forces House Vote on Major Richard Star Act to End 'Wounded Veteran Tax'

Rep. Mark Takano Forces House Vote on Major Richard Star Act to End 'Wounded Veteran Tax'

Rep. Mark Takano, the ranking Democrat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has successfully used a discharge petition to force a House floor vote on the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102). The petition garnered the necessary 218 signatures, with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., providing the decisive signature. This legislative maneuver bypasses the usual committee process, compelling the House speaker to schedule a full chamber vote within two legislative days. The Major Richard Star Act aims to eliminate the 'wounded veteran tax,' a policy that currently reduces the military retirement pay of combat-injured veterans who also receive VA disability compensation. This affects approximately 59,000 combat-injured veterans, particularly those medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service, who are currently forced to forfeit a portion of their earned benefits.

Could Protect College Sports Act be running out of time? Randy Levine sounds the alarm

Could Protect College Sports Act be running out of time? Randy Levine sounds the alarm

The Protect College Sports Act faces an uncertain future in the House. Randy Levine is turning up the heat on Congress.

Senator Ossoff Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Non-Opioid Pain Treatment for Veterans

Senator Ossoff Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Non-Opioid Pain Treatment for Veterans

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has announced his cosponsorship of the NOPAIN for Veterans Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding access to non-opioid pain treatments for veterans. This legislation, originally introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), seeks to address existing gaps in care within the VA National Formulary. The primary goal is to provide veterans with alternatives to opioid-based pain management, thereby helping to prevent addiction. Senator Ossoff emphasized the significant sacrifices made by veterans and the prevalent issue of substance abuse and addiction upon their return home. He stated that the bill would enable the VA to more quickly offer safe pain management treatments and protect veterans from addiction. This initiative is part of Senator Ossoff's ongoing efforts to support veterans and combat addiction within Georgia communities.

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Establish Diwali as Federal Holiday in U.S.

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Establish Diwali as Federal Holiday in U.S.

A group of 19 U.S. lawmakers, led by Congresswoman Grace Meng, has reintroduced the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to recognize Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as a federal holiday in the United States. The bill is supported by several Indian-origin representatives, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, and Ami Bera. Diwali is described in the proposed legislation as one of the most important annual observances for various religious groups, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, and is celebrated by billions globally, particularly in South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Indo-Caribbean communities. Congresswoman Meng emphasized that the act seeks to educate Americans about the festival's significance and foster a more inclusive nation that respects diverse cultural traditions.

Congressman Michael Guest and Congresswoman Susie Lee Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day 2026

Congressman Michael Guest and Congresswoman Susie Lee Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day 2026

Congressman Michael Guest (R-MS) has introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the service and sacrifice of America's veterans and to encourage the observation of Veterans Day. This marks the fifth consecutive year Congressman Guest has introduced such a resolution. This year, he is joined by Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-Nev.) in co-sponsoring the measure. The resolution, supported by over 80 bipartisan members of the House, calls on the American people to recognize the heroic actions of veterans in protecting the United States and preserving freedom. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, commemorates the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It was later renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans who have served the country throughout its history.

Most Americans want new Democratic Congress to end Trump's Iran war, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Most Americans want new Democratic Congress to end Trump's Iran war, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

By Jason Lange WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Majorities of Americans want the newly elected Democratic-majority US Congress to act to end the war with Iran and to repeal tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump, signaling demand for quick action to address the high cost of living, a new

Federal Judiciary Reports 3.2% Vacancy Rate Across Article III Positions in November 2026

Federal Judiciary Reports 3.2% Vacancy Rate Across Article III Positions in November 2026

As of November 2026, the federal judiciary has a 3.2% vacancy rate across its 870 active Article III judicial positions, totaling 28 vacancies. This represents a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points from October 2026. All nine seats on the U.S. Supreme Court are filled, and there are no vacancies among the 179 U.S. Appeals Court positions. The majority of vacancies, 28 positions or 4.2%, are within the 673 U.S. District Court positions. The nine U.S. Court of International Trade positions also have no vacancies. Since the last report, one new judicial vacancy has occurred, which, as an Article III position, requires a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. There have been no new nominations or confirmations since the previous report. Since January 2025, the Senate has confirmed 56 of President Trump’s Article III judicial nominees, including 45 district court judges, 10 appeals court judges, and one Court of International Trade judge.

Senate to Vote on Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act to Reform Electricity Transmission

Senate to Vote on Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act to Reform Electricity Transmission

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA), a bill aimed at significantly reforming the planning, permitting, and construction of electricity transmission lines across the country. According to David Pomerantz, executive director of the Energy and Policy Institute, these reforms could lead to lower energy bills for millions of Americans. The current system often sees utility monopolies obstructing the construction of long-distance transmission lines, which can increase electricity costs, reduce grid reliability, and hinder the integration of clean energy. BAAJA seeks to address these issues by establishing basic planning standards for Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs), requiring regions to plan collaboratively, and mandating FERC to create standards for allocating the costs of new transmission lines. The bill also grants federal regulators at FERC the authority to intervene and approve lines if states cause undue delays or reject projects that be...