News

Jim Jordan gains support as vote nears for U.S. House speaker, but outcome still in doubt

The Ohio congressman will need the backing of nearly all the chamber’s 221 GOP lawmakers in order to hold the highest office in Congress.

News

Scalise nominated by U.S. House GOP as speaker in closed-door meeting

The nominee picked in the conference meeting only needed to get the backing of a majority of the 221 House Republicans, but Scalise will need about 217 on the floor before he can hold the gavel.

News

U.S. House votes to remove Kevin McCarthy as speaker

It isn’t immediately clear how the House will proceed in the coming days.

Oversight

FEMA’s disaster relief fund is running low on cash. What happens now?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund is facing at least a $4 billion deficit.

Pay & Benefits

Split in U.S. House GOP raises potential for government shutdown this fall

The stalemate stems from disagreement about how much the government should spend and whether bills should be filled with far-right policy objectives.

Management

House spending bill for the VA renews fight over abortion access, transgender care

Legislation would bar Biden administration from closing Guantánamo Bay detention facility in Cuba.

Oversight

‘We should not fear a government shutdown’: Far-right House members slam spending bills

Freedom Caucus members are urging more support from Speaker McCarthy and GOP leaders.

Oversight

Preparation for pandemics and natural disasters updated in bill passed by Senate panel

Legislation would increase accountability, transparency in how federal government helps state, local governments prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.

Management

Ohio congressman urges new FBI headquarters in Alabama, not suburban D.C. 

As years-long battle between Maryland and Virginia continues for the HQ, Rep. Jim Jordan suggests Huntsville as alternative.

Oversight

Biden and McCarthy Strike Positive Tone After Debt Limit Talks, But No Deal Yet

"We don’t have an agreement yet, but I did feel the discussion was productive in areas that we have differences of opinion,” McCarthy said Monday.

Workforce

A Default on the U.S. Debt Would Be Far Worse Than a Government Shutdown. Here’s How

National security, transportation, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid would be impacted.

Oversight

Bipartisan Group Projects U.S. Default as Soon as Early June, Citing ‘Quite Low’ Cash Flows

Depending on how long a default lasted, a global recession could be triggered, new analysis finds

Oversight

Social Security Trustees Predict Benefit Cuts in 2033 without Congressional Action

The projections say that, without action, Social Security would have enough money to pay about 77% of the total scheduled benefits.

Oversight

Experts See Economic Problems for U.S. as Struggle Over Debt Limit, Spending Cuts Extends

Economic experts testified in front of the U.S. House Budget Committee on Wednesday, as a fierce debate over the nation’s budget remains front and center.

Workforce

Infant Formula Crisis Could Recur, Former FDA Official Tells Congress

While the Food and Drug Administration has made some changes, infant formula manufacturers are not required to notify the agency if they detect certain types of bacteria at their facilities.

Oversight

Democratic Report on U.S. Debt Default Predicts Disrupted Benefits for Seniors, Veterans

The report says that Treasury would only be able to pay debts using existing funds and incoming revenue in the event of a default.

Oversight

Moderna Plan to Hike COVID Vaccine Price to $130 a Dose Rebuked at U.S. Senate Hearing

Senators criticized decision, noting federal government invested nearly $2 billion in Moderna’s development of vaccine

Oversight

Biden Administration Details Potential Cuts in Education, Food Aid and More under GOP Plan

The cuts, according to the letters from Cabinet secretaries and agency heads, could impact dozens of federal programs and quality of life for many Americans.

Defense

Pentagon To Halt Use Of Firefighting Foam That Contains PFAS As Cleanup Costs Mount

The Department of Defense will stop purchasing PFAS-containing firefighting foam later this year and phase it out entirely in 2024.