Lindsey McPherson

Senate panel to consider budget blueprint next week to kick-start Trump agenda

The Senate Budget Committee next week plans to consider a budget blueprint that will call for $300 billion in new funding for border security and defense needs, as well as an equal number of offsets.

February 5, 2025

Senate confirms Eric Scott Turner as HUD secretary

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Eric Scott Turner to lead the Housing and Urban Development Department.

February 5, 2025

GOP skepticism of Trump nominees abates as Gabbard, Kennedy nominations advance

Chances of the Senate voting down any of President Trump's Cabinet-level nominees have all but evaporated as initially skeptical Republicans are falling in line with his most unconventional picks.

February 4, 2025

As House struggles on first step of Trump agenda, Senate considers taking over

The Senate may steamroll the House on a budget blueprint needed to formally begin the legislative process for advancing much of President Trump's agenda if Republicans in the lower chamber can't come together on a plan.

February 4, 2025

Congressional Republicans plan votes to undo at least 10 Biden-era rules

Republicans are planning votes to repeal at least 10 regulations implemented late in President Biden's term, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday.

February 4, 2025

Senate Intelligence Committee approves Gabbard nomination

The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday approved Tulsi Gabbard's nomination to serve as director of national intelligence, ending weeks of suspense after key GOP holdouts announced their support in the 24 hours leading up to the committee vote.

February 4, 2025

Senate confirms Doug Collins to lead Veterans Affairs Department

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed former Rep. Doug Collins to lead the Veterans Affairs Department.

February 4, 2025

Senate GOP holdout announces support for Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence

Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard is poised to clear the Senate Intelligence Committee after a key GOP holdout announced his support.

February 4, 2025

RFK Jr. clears major hurdle before full Senate vote

The Senate Finance Committee voted Tuesday to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services after Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a swing vote, joined other Republicans in backing him.

February 4, 2025

GOP holdouts threaten to sink nominations of RFK Jr., Gabbard with committee votes

Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard and Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. head into key committee votes on Tuesday with separate holdout GOP senators mum on their plans.

February 3, 2025

Chris Wright confirmed to lead the Energy Department

The Senate on Wednesday evening confirmed Christopher Wright, a self-described "science geek turned energy nerd turned lifelong energy entrepreneur," to run the Energy Department.

February 3, 2025

Democrats draft legislation to remove DOGE access to Treasury payment system

Congressional Democrats are planning to introduce legislation to restrict access to the Treasury's payment system, which houses Americans' data used to send out tax refunds, Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, loans and other government payments.

February 3, 2025

Trudeau: Trump granted 30-day reprieve on tariffs in exchange for border, fentanyl measures

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said President Trump agreed to delay a 25% tariff on Canada's goods by one month in exchange for stiffer border enforcement and the appointment of a "fentanyl czar" to combat the flow of deadly drugs into the U.S.

February 3, 2025

‘Political corruption’: Speaker Johnson rips New York Democrats’ bid to delay replacing Stefanik

House Speaker Mike Johnson said an effort by New York Democrats to delay a special election to replace Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik is tantamount to "political corruption."

February 3, 2025

Jeffries details plans for Democrats to push back on Trump, GOP actions

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries sent a letter to his caucus on Monday detailing the party's strategy for combating President Trump's executive actions and other GOP policies, including using the upcoming government funding negotiations as leverage.

February 3, 2025

New House committee chair devising strategy to pass child online safety bill

Newly installed House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie told The Washington Times he wants to pass legislation to protect children online this Congress after a bipartisan effort sputtered out last session.

February 3, 2025

Senate confirming Trump nominees faster than in his first term, but slower than GOP’s goal

President Trump already has twice the number of Cabinet secretaries confirmed than he did at this point in his first term, but Senate Republicans are poised to fall short of their goal of meeting the confirmation pace set under President Obama.

January 31, 2025

Senate confirms Doug Burgum to head Interior Department

The Senate on Thursday evening confirmed President Trump's primary rival-turned-ally Doug Burgum to serve as interior secretary.

January 30, 2025

Jeffries accuses Trump, GOP of ‘peddling lies’ in claiming DEI contributed to plane crash

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans Thursday of "peddling lies" about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies for hiring air traffic controllers contributing to the deadly plane crash in Washington.

January 30, 2025

Kansas senator questions why passenger jet, military helicopter could not directly communicate

Sen. Roger Marshall, Kansas Republican, wants to know why a military helicopter that crashed into a commercial jet carrying passengers from his state was allowed to occupy the same airspace without the ability to directly communicate with the civilian airplanes.

January 30, 2025