U.S. Congress
Mitch McConnell Acknowledges Joe Biden's Win for the First Time
The recognition of Biden's win—and subsequently, President Donald Trump's loss—comes one day after the Electoral College affirmed the Democrat's victory and 38 days after major news networks called the race.
Republicans Suggest Trump Still has 'Legal Avenues' Despite Electoral Win
Several GOP lawmakers, although recognizing Trump's loss, declined to close the door entirely on the notion that the president could somehow still use the courts to overturn an election based on baseless claims of rampant fraud.
Bernie Sanders Slams Bipartisan COVID Proposal for Lack of Stimulus Checks
"We cannot go home until there [are] strong unemployment benefits plus $1,200 per adult, $500 per kid for every working person and family in this country," said the senator from Vermont.
Dems Want Ethics Probe on Lawmaker's Alleged Role in Smear Campaign of Vet
The Texas GOP lawmaker was allegedly involved in an effort to disparage the reputation and credibility of a woman who said she was sexually assaulted at a VA facility.
Lincoln Project Founder Asks AOC to Work With His GOP Anti-Trump Org
Steve Schmidt tweeted Saturday they could work together to defeat autocracy, despite their differences, in a fight that "will last for many years."
Trump's Failed Efforts to Overturn the Election Have Fractured the GOP
The president's refusal to concede to his Democratic challenger is only fracturing the Grand Old Party, acting as a test for who is most loyal to an outgoing president that will likely maintain a powerful grasp on his party vs. who is grounded in reality.
Congress Has Just Days to Reach a Stimulus Deal as Millions Face Eviction
When lawmakers return on Monday, they'll have until next Friday to approve a fiscal budget and desperately needed economic relief.
Gov Shutdown Narrowly Averted After Last-Minute Grandstanding from Senators
Despite millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet amid the pandemic, Rand Paul, Bernie Sanders and a conservative group of lawmakers briefly flirted with the notion of forcing a short shutdown this weekend to push their own legislative priorities.
From Homeless to the House: The Tale of the Youngest-Ever GOP Congresswoman
Rep. Ted Yoho gave Kat Cammack a job when she had nowhere to live. Now he's retiring and handing over his seat to her.
Rand Paul Is Blocking Passage of Defense Funding Bill, GOP Senator Says
Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney said Thursday that Kentucky Senator Rand Paul's opposition to the bill was "inexcusable."
106 GOP House Members Back Texas Lawsuit Challenging Election for Trump
More than 100 U.S. House Republicans are backing President Donald Trump's last-ditch effort to get the U.S. Supreme Court to override election results in four key swing states that went for Democrat Joe Biden.
Dan Crenshaw Linked to Smear Campaign of Female Vet by VA Head: Watchdog
The 68-page report from the V.A. Office of Inspector General stated that three witnesses said VA Sec. Robert Wilkie informed them that Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) gave him information about the female veteran that could erode her credibility.
Democratic House Leaders Worried Biden Picking 'Too Many' Members for Admin
"Two is too many, but three would be even more many," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer referring to President-elect Joe Biden picking Democrat representatives from the House to serve his administration.
Fact Check: Did Bernie Sanders Blame Democrats for Stalling COVID Relief?
Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a two-time Democratic presidential candidate, talked about the Democrats' rejection of the $1.8 trillion package during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on December 7.
Republican Urging Congress to Overturn Trump Loss Quietly Courts GOP
A House Republican is still searching for a GOP senator to help him challenge President-elect Biden's Electoral College win. He's yet to find ironclad commitment but has found several sympathetic ears.
New Jobless Claims Jump to 1.4M as Congress Debates Stimulus Checks
Lawmakers have been at an impasse since summer over a new round of financial stimulus, as the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic persists.
Facing Pushback on Defense Secretary Pick, Biden Makes Case for Gen. Austin
Facing bipartisan pushback, President-elect Joe Biden has set out to defend his pick for defense secretary, describing the retired four-star general as a "leader of extraordinary character, courage, experience and accomplishment" more than a month out from a potentially contentious U.S. Senate confirmation fight.
Rhetoric, Confusion Threaten Stimulus Bill as Democrats Reject 2 GOP Offers
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the Democrats' rebuff of a White House proposal "bizarre and schizophrenic."
Biden Plucking Fudge From House Makes Pelosi's Slim Majority Even Smaller
Congressman Cedric Richmond is also leaving the House to take up a position in the incoming Biden administration.
Trump Nominates Conway and 25 Supporters for Government Appointments
The nominees include several conservative Trump donors and a failed ambassadorial nominee who was accused in 2019 of colluding with the RNC in a suspected pay-to-play scheme.
Dems Accuse McConnell of 'Sabotaging' Stimulus Talks, Reject GOP Offer
Democratic leaders accused the Kentucky Republican of attempting to purposely derail ongoing bipartisan coronavirus relief negotiations by suggesting they exclude two major sticking points that has held up more pandemic aid.
Dems Fear Erosion of Civilian Military Control After Biden Defense Pick
Democrats expressed misgivings about starting a tradition of confirming a defense secretary who is a recently retired service member, as the top Pentagon post is intended for a civilian.
Guy Fieri Did 'More Than Congress' in Raising $21.5M for Restaurant Workers
"God bless the 'Fundraiser of Flavortown,' shame on every single one of our government 'leaders' who have failed them," reads one tweet praising the celebrity chef.
Republican Governors Push Congress to Pass Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief
The five Republican governors acknowledged that there are "legitimate differences" of opinion on what the package should include, but said they pale in comparison to the "cost of doing nothing."
Mitch McConnell Reportedly Warms to Stimulus Checks as Deal Remains Elusive
No current potential stimulus package that is being negotiated on Capitol Hill includes anything like the $1,200 checks that many Americans received under the Cares Act. But McConnell reportedly would not oppose it if the provision is added.
Potential Trouble Looms for Biden HHS Pick Xavier Becerra with Senate GOP
Senate Republicans are turned off by Becerra's pro-choice stance on abortion, support for single-payer health care and lack of experience in the medical field.
McConnell Holds Firm on 'Targeted' Stim; Pressure Grows for Bipartisan Deal
The Senate leader's steadfast position is despite growing support for a bipartisan proposal worth nearly twice as much, a bill that Republicans are pressuring McConnell to endorse.
Stimulus Gains Renewed Urgency Amid U.S. COVID Surge, Weak Jobs Data
Lawmakers from both parties stressed the need to pass a stimulus bill by the end of the year as Congress considers a $900 billion bipartisan proposal that does not include checks.
COVID Relief Funds Went to Violent Extremists
Federal COVID relief has also helped prop up extremist organizations with long-held ties to violence.
Pollster Suggests Democrats Should Avoid 'Defund the Police' to Win in 2022
Demands to "defund the police" came in response to multiple widely publicized deaths of Black Americans involving police officers.