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Democrats channel their outrage over DOGE, Ukraine and more in marathon Senate session
Read full article: Democrats channel their outrage over DOGE, Ukraine and more in marathon Senate sessionThe budget resolution from Republicans was on the agenda in the Senate, but the nearly all-night debate encompassed so much more.
Senate Republicans approve budget framework, pushing past Democratic objections after all-night vote
Read full article: Senate Republicans approve budget framework, pushing past Democratic objections after all-night voteRepublican senators pushed a $340 billion budget framework to passage over Democratic objections after a nearly all-night vote.
Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker
Read full article: Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power brokerRepublican Sen. Mitch McConnell has announced that he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.
Republicans are pursuing separate paths to get Trump's priorities through Congress
Read full article: Republicans are pursuing separate paths to get Trump's priorities through CongressSenate Majority Leader John Thune has teed up a vote on a budget plan that sets the stage for a massive boost in defense and border security spending, and leaves a looming tax cut fight for later this year.
Trump throws Senate GOP budget bill in turmoil as Vance heads to Capitol Hill to meet with senators
Read full article: Trump throws Senate GOP budget bill in turmoil as Vance heads to Capitol Hill to meet with senatorsPresident Donald Trump is throwing the Senate GOP budget plan into turmoil.
Philippine Vice President Duterte asks Supreme Court to void her impeachment and block Senate trial
Read full article: Philippine Vice President Duterte asks Supreme Court to void her impeachment and block Senate trialPhilippine Vice President Sara Duterte has asked the Supreme Court to void her impeachment and block a Senate trial that could remove her from office.
Trump seems to question well-known part of Sen. Mitch McConnell's life — his childhood polio battle
Read full article: Trump seems to question well-known part of Sen. Mitch McConnell's life — his childhood polio battlePresident Donald Trump seems to have questioned a well-documented part of Sen. Mitch McConnell’s life — his childhood battle with polio.
Senate Republicans vow action to boost border funds after briefing with Trump officials
Read full article: Senate Republicans vow action to boost border funds after briefing with Trump officialsSenate Republicans are vowing to move quickly on a budget plan that could pave the way for about $340 billion in additional border security and defense spending.
Georgia Senate bill would cut funding for adult gender-affirming care, but it may have cloudy future
Read full article: Georgia Senate bill would cut funding for adult gender-affirming care, but it may have cloudy futureGeorgia’s state Senate has passed a bill that would cut off public funding for gender affirming care for adults.
States absorb big increases in Medicaid for sicker-than-expected enrollees after COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: States absorb big increases in Medicaid for sicker-than-expected enrollees after COVID-19 pandemicStates are absorbing substantial increases in health care costs for the poor, as they realize that the people remaining on Medicaid rolls after the COVID-19 pandemic are sicker than anticipated and costlier to care for.
Wisconsin Supreme Court says swing state’s embattled elections chief can remain in post
Read full article: Wisconsin Supreme Court says swing state’s embattled elections chief can remain in postA unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that the swing state’s nonpartisan top elections official can remain in her post despite not being reappointed and confirmed by the state Senate.
Senate GOP unveils $340B budget plan with Trump's deportation and defense funds, as House stalls
Read full article: Senate GOP unveils $340B budget plan with Trump's deportation and defense funds, as House stallsHouse Republicans have missed another deadline to produce a massive budget package of tax cuts and slashed spending.
Georgia lawmakers advance a bill to prevent transgender women from competing in women's sports
Read full article: Georgia lawmakers advance a bill to prevent transgender women from competing in women's sportsGeorgia's state Senate approved a bill that would prevent transgender women from competing in women's sports.
Utah Legislature bans collective bargaining for teachers unions and other public sector jobs
Read full article: Utah Legislature bans collective bargaining for teachers unions and other public sector jobsLabor unions that serve teachers, firefighters, police and other public employees in Utah will no longer be able to negotiate on behalf of their workers under a bill that has received final legislative approval.
Trump unleashes a supercharged MAGA agenda and Republicans come aboard
Read full article: Trump unleashes a supercharged MAGA agenda and Republicans come aboardPresident Donald Trump’s early moves, such as trying to slash the federal government and imposing tariffs on key allies, are testing how far Republicans are willing to go in supporting his supercharged “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Philippine Vice President Duterte impeached over Marcos assassination remark and other allegations
Read full article: Philippine Vice President Duterte impeached over Marcos assassination remark and other allegationsPhilippine Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached on a range of accusations that include plotting to assassinate the president and engaging in large-scale corruption.
Tennessee GOP passes school voucher expansion bill with backing from Trump
Read full article: Tennessee GOP passes school voucher expansion bill with backing from TrumpTennessee lawmakers have approved legislation drastically expanding the number of families who can use taxpayer money on private schools regardless of income.
This Week in South Florida: Jason Pizzo
Read full article: This Week in South Florida: Jason PizzoFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis officially called a special session starting Monday to make tough state immigration law despite House and Senate leaders of his same party team defying the call as premature and calling it irresponsible.
Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conduct
Read full article: Hegseth confirmed as Trump's defense secretary in tie-breaking vote despite turmoil over his conductThe Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s defense secretary in a dramatic late-night vote.
What is the Laken Riley Act? A look at the first bill Trump just signed
Read full article: What is the Laken Riley Act? A look at the first bill Trump just signedThe first bill signed by President Donald Trump is named after a slain Georgia nursing student whose name became a rallying cry during Trump’s White House campaign.
Republican senators are mostly quiet on Trump's sweeping pardons of Jan. 6 rioters
Read full article: Republican senators are mostly quiet on Trump's sweeping pardons of Jan. 6 riotersMany Republicans on Capitol Hill do not agree with President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon and commute sentences for more than 1,500 people charged with crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Senate passes immigrant detention bill that could be the first measure Trump signs into law
Read full article: Senate passes immigrant detention bill that could be the first measure Trump signs into lawThe Senate has passed a bill that would require federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Senate confirms Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving Trump the first member of his Cabinet
Read full article: Senate confirms Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving Trump the first member of his CabinetThe Senate has confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state, giving President Donald Trump the first member of his Cabinet.
It's not clear who will lead the Pentagon when Trump takes office. What happens then?
Read full article: It's not clear who will lead the Pentagon when Trump takes office. What happens then?It's unclear who'll take over at the Pentagon and the military services when the top leaders all step down Monday as President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
Timeline: Key dates in the century-long battle over the Equal Rights Amendment
Read full article: Timeline: Key dates in the century-long battle over the Equal Rights AmendmentThe struggle over the Equal Rights Amendment started more than a century ago when suffragist Alice Paul first proposed it shortly after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
The Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be Trump's first law to sign
Read full article: The Senate advances a migrant detention bill that could be Trump's first law to signThe Senate is set for an Inauguration Day vote on legislation that would require federal authorities to detain migrants accused of theft and violent crimes.
Florida legislature pushes back on DeSantis’ special session call on immigration
Read full article: Florida legislature pushes back on DeSantis’ special session call on immigrationFlorida lawmakers are rejecting Governor Ron DeSantis’ push for a special legislative session aimed at enforcing stricter immigration laws ahead of President- elect Donald Trump stepping into office.
Hegseth could lead troops who'd face getting fired for actions he's done in the past
Read full article: Hegseth could lead troops who'd face getting fired for actions he's done in the pastSome current and former defense leaders and veterans are questioning whether Pete Hegseth would be able to enforce discipline in the ranks if the Senate confirms him as President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary.
Prosecutors seek 15 years in prison for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez after bribery conviction
Read full article: Prosecutors seek 15 years in prison for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez after bribery convictionProsecutors say former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez should be imprisoned for 15 years after the Democrat became the first to be convicted of abusing a Senate committee leadership position and the first public official to be convicted of serving as a foreign agent.
Senate Democrats join Republicans in voting to advance bill to detain migrants accused of crimes
Read full article: Senate Democrats join Republicans in voting to advance bill to detain migrants accused of crimesNewly in the minority, Democrats voted with Republicans on Thursday to advance legislation that would require federal authorities to detain unauthorized immigrants who have been accused of certain crimes — signaling that they will try and find spots to work with President-elect Donald Trump while simultaneously trying to block much of his agenda.
Trump's inaugural committee has already raised a record $170M in donations
Read full article: Trump's inaugural committee has already raised a record $170M in donationsPresident-elect Donald Trump has raised more than $170 million for his upcoming inauguration, a record amount as tech executives and big donors have eagerly written large checks.
Evers’ plan to let Wisconsin voters repeal and create state laws meets GOP resistance
Read full article: Evers’ plan to let Wisconsin voters repeal and create state laws meets GOP resistanceWisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to let voters repeal and create state laws without legislative involvement met opposition from the Republican leaders of the Legislature, who signaled that the idea is likely to be rejected for a second time.
New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibuster
Read full article: New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibusterNew Senate Majority Leader John Thune is kicking off the new session with a promise to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader that his priority will be to “ensure the Senate stays the Senate.”.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's state legislative special elections
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Virginia's state legislative special electionsVirginia voters will begin the new year filling state Senate and House vacancies on Tuesday in a trio of special elections that could determine control of the narrowly divided chambers.
Republican Mike Johnson reelected House speaker in dramatic floor vote
Read full article: Republican Mike Johnson reelected House speaker in dramatic floor voteRepublican Mike Johnson has narrowly won reelection to the House speakership on a dramatic first-ballot vote, overcoming hard-right GOP holdouts in a tense standoff.
Fate of Trump's Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in Senate
Read full article: Fate of Trump's Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in SenateThe fate of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet is still unclear after Republican senators spent much of December carefully dodging questions.
Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing 'hurried' House action
Read full article: Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing 'hurried' House actionPresident Joe Biden has vetoed a once-bipartisan effort to add 66 new federal district judgeships.
Biden signs defense bill despite objections to ban on transgender health care for military children
Read full article: Biden signs defense bill despite objections to ban on transgender health care for military childrenPresident Joe Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law despite his objections to language banning transgender health care for military children.
Government funding bill clears Congress and heads to President Biden, averting a shutdown
Read full article: Government funding bill clears Congress and heads to President Biden, averting a shutdownThe Senate has rushed through final passage of a bipartisan plan to fund federal operations and prevent a government shutdown.
US government shutdown looms
Read full article: US government shutdown loomsWith hours to go before a midnight government shutdown, the House has approved a new plan from House Speaker Mike Johnson that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but dropped President-elect Donald Trump’s demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.
US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report finds
Read full article: US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsThe U.S. Commerce Department’s efforts to curb China’s and Russia’s access to American-made advanced computer chips have been “inadequate” and will need more funding to stymie their ability to manufacture advanced weapons.
Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's power
Read full article: Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's powerThe Senate has passed a defense bill that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion.
As he prepares to leave leadership, McConnell challenges Trump on foreign policy
Read full article: As he prepares to leave leadership, McConnell challenges Trump on foreign policySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is challenging President-elect Donald Trump to reject the isolationist voices within their party and build his foreign policy around military strength.
Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell says
Read full article: Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell saysSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, said any of President-elect Donald Trump’s picks requiring Senate confirmation should “steer clear” of efforts to discredit the polio vaccine.
McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
Read full article: McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in CapitolSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is still suffering from the effects of a fall in the Senate earlier this week and is missing votes on Thursday due to leg stiffness, according to his office.
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Read full article: Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of peopleThe Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people.
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
Read full article: House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threatThe House has passed what was once a bipartisan effort to expand the number of federal district trial court judgeships across the country.
Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America
Read full article: Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of AmericaPresident-elect Donald Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world.
Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026
Read full article: Manchin, Sinema prevent Democrats from locking in majority on labor board through 2026Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors
Read full article: House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsThe House has passed a measure that authorizes a 1% increase in spending this fiscal year and a double-digit pay raise for about half of the enlisted service members in the military.
McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is 'fine'
Read full article: McConnell falls and sprains wrist after GOP luncheon, colleague says he is 'fine'Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon on Tuesday, the latest in a series of medical incidents for him in recent years.
New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonist
Read full article: New California Sen. Adam Schiff wants to be more than a Trump antagonistAs California’s newest senator, Democrat Adam Schiff says he’s not going to shy away from familiar territory — opposing Donald Trump when he feels it is necessary.
Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House
Read full article: Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of HouseDemocrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year.
Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief
Read full article: Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chiefNearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have asked Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain
Read full article: Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainSenate Democrats reelected Chuck Schumer as party leader on Tuesday as the party moves into a deeply uncertain time, with no real consensus on a strategy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
NFL's Goodell and Commanders' Harris meet with lawmakers to talk about potential RFK stadium site
Read full article: NFL's Goodell and Commanders' Harris meet with lawmakers to talk about potential RFK stadium siteNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris have met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill as efforts push forward to secure access to the RFK Stadium site in the District of Columbia.
The Australian Senate debates the world's first social media ban for children under 16
Read full article: The Australian Senate debates the world's first social media ban for children under 16The Australian Senate is debating a ban on children younger than 16 from social media after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported the age restriction.
Australian father of teen sextortion victim backs banning young children from social media
Read full article: Australian father of teen sextortion victim backs banning young children from social mediaWayne Holdsworth became an advocate for banning Australian children younger than 16 from social media because his son took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam.
Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16
Read full article: Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16An advocate for major social media platforms has told Australia's Parliament that a plan to ban children younger than 16 from the sites should be delayed rather than being rushed to approval this week.
This Week In South Florida Podcast: Nov. 24, 2024
Read full article: This Week In South Florida Podcast: Nov. 24, 2024This Week In South Florida host Glenna Milberg interviews Republican state Rep. Daniel Perez, of Miami, the incoming Florida House Speaker; Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo, the incoming Florida Senate minority leader; U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, elected to serve his 12th term representing District 26; and Miami-Dade County Sheriff-elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Milberg also features Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch’s interview with Annette Jose, the Miami-Dade County Animal Services director.
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This Week in South Florida Episode: Nov. 24, 2024
Read full article: This Week in South Florida Episode: Nov. 24, 2024This Week In South Florida host Glenna Milberg interviews Republican state Rep. Daniel Perez, of Miami, the incoming Florida House Speaker; Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo, the incoming Florida Senate minority leader; U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, elected to serve his 12th term representing District 26; and Miami-Dade County Sheriff-elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Milberg also features Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch’s interview with Annette Jose, the Miami-Dade County Animal Services director.
Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjourns
Read full article: Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjournsThe Senate won’t hold votes on four of President Joe Biden’s appellate court nominees as part of a deal with Republicans to allow for speedier consideration of other judicial nominations.
McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leader
Read full article: McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leaderSen. Mitch McConnell says he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader.
The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the Senate
Read full article: The FBI and DHS leaders won't testify publicly about national security threats before the SenateThe leaders of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have declined to testify publicly at a scheduled Senate hearing on global national security threats.
Senate rejects effort from Bernie Sanders to block some weapons for Israel over Gaza deaths
Read full article: Senate rejects effort from Bernie Sanders to block some weapons for Israel over Gaza deathsThe Senate has rejected attempts by Sen. Bernie Sanders to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel.
Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surface
Read full article: Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surfaceAs senators prepare to consider Donald Trump’s picks for his Cabinet, they’ll likely be doing so without the FBI background checks that are staples of the confirmation process.
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GOP senators divided on release of Gaetz ethics report as Trump pressures them to move quickly
Read full article: GOP senators divided on release of Gaetz ethics report as Trump pressures them to move quicklyAs President-elect Donald Trump digs in on his pick of Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Republican senators are divided over how much information they will demand to move his confirmation — and how much to push back on Trump as he demands that they quickly rubber stamp his Cabinet once he takes office in January.
Australian senate censures Indigenous lawmaker who yelled at King Charles III
Read full article: Australian senate censures Indigenous lawmaker who yelled at King Charles IIIAustralian senators have voted to censure an Indigenous colleague who yelled at King Charles III during a reception in Parliament House last month.
Ruben Gallego did better than most Democrats. He says his party needs to stoke working class roots
Read full article: Ruben Gallego did better than most Democrats. He says his party needs to stoke working class rootsIncoming Democratic Senator-elect Ruben Gallego of Arizona says building authentic connections with working-class voters can help Democrats find their way back to power in Washington.
As Trump picks Florida men for top jobs, new political possibilities open up in the Sunshine State
Read full article: As Trump picks Florida men for top jobs, new political possibilities open up in the Sunshine StateAs President-elect Donald Trump names his picks for his new administration from his private club in Palm Beach and prepares to return to the White House, he’s bringing the Sunshine State with him.
What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet?
Read full article: What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet?President-elect Donald Trump is considering recess appointments to skip over Senate confirmations for some of the most powerful positions in the U.S. government.
Liberals pressure Senate Democrats to confirm more Biden judges while they can
Read full article: Liberals pressure Senate Democrats to confirm more Biden judges while they canDemand Justice, a progressive organization focused on the judiciary, is set to bombard Capitol Hill with a message for the closing weeks of the 118th Congress: Do “whatever it takes” to confirm President Joe Biden’s nominees as a second Donald Trump presidency looms.
Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations
Read full article: Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominationsJust hours after Republican Sen. John Thune was elected as the incoming Senate majority leader, President-elect Donald Trump presented him with one of his first tests — an announcement that he intends to nominate House Republican Matt Gaetz as attorney general.
Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equality
Read full article: Virginia Democrats advance efforts to protect abortion, voting rights, marriage equalityDemocratic lawmakers who wield control of the Virginia Legislature are hoping to make good on promises made on the campaign trail, including becoming the first Southern state to expand constitutional protections for abortion access.
A look at the candidates vying to be the next Senate majority leader
Read full article: A look at the candidates vying to be the next Senate majority leaderIn the first seriously contested Senate Republican leadership election in decades, three senators are vying to replace longtime GOP leader Mitch McConnell when he steps down from the post at the beginning of next year.
Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next Congress
Read full article: Lawmakers prepare for final lame-duck sprint before making way for next CongressCongress has a short but important to-do list as lawmakers return to Washington this coming week for what is known as a lame-duck session.