Biden caught between allies and critics on border policy
September 29, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is caught between a hard place and an even harder one when it comes to immigration.
Biden embraced major progressive policy goals on the issue after he won the Democratic nomination, and he has begun enacting some.
Congresswoman: Police investigating intimate photo release
October 22, 2019 GMTA member of Congress says she's asked for an investigation into intimate photos she says were posted online without her consent.
California Democrat Katie Hill said U.S. Capitol Police are "investigating the situation and potential legal violations of those who posted and distributed the photos." She said the photos included her and "another individual" and declined further comment.
Trump rebuked on military base project cuts, but veto looms
September 25, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed a measure that blocks President Donald Trump from using emergency powers to raid the budget for construction projects on military bases as a way to pay for building his fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Lawmakers call for release of US man jailed as spy in Russia
September 12, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A Michigan security executive who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges since December is being held without cause as his health deteriorates under tough conditions, members of Congress said Thursday as they demanded his release.
Texas seeks more armed school personnel after mass shooting
May 7, 2019 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Nearly a year after a mass shooting at a Texas high school in which eight students and two substitute teachers were killed, lawmakers in the gun-friendly state are close to passing measures that they say would harden campuses by adding more armed school personnel, beefing up security plans and boosting student mental health resources.
Trump: Congresswoman Omar’s apology for Israel remark ‘lame’
February 13, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar's apology for suggesting that members of Congress support Israel because they are being paid to do so was "lame" and that she should resign...
Former Rep. Dingell, US’s longest-serving lawmaker, dies
February 8, 2019 GMTDETROIT (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress in American history and a master of legislative deal-making who was fiercely protective of Detroit's auto industry, has died...
GOP senator: Rep. King’s white supremacy remarks hurt nation
January 11, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Iowa Republican congressman Steve King says he's not a racist, but he faced intensifying criticism Friday over his remarks about white supremacy, including from a black GOP senator who said such comments are a blight on the nation and the party.
GOP panel’s foreign agent inquiry triggers harsh response
October 19, 2018 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — An environmental group has denounced a House oversight committee for suggesting the organization's efforts to block construction of a U.S. military base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa may require it to register as foreign agent.
Utah’s Hatch urges support for LGBT youth in Senate speech
June 14, 2018 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch called for unwavering love and support for LGBT youth who experience high suicide rates as victims of bullying, discrimination and family estrangement in a somewhat surprising Senate speech this week from the retiring Republican who has long been an opponent of same-sex marriage.
The Latest: Lawmakers say opioid distributors missed signs
May 8, 2018 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on a congressional investigation into the opioid epidemic (all times local):
10:30 a.m.
Lawmakers of both parties say wholesale drug distributors missed signs of suspicious prescription opioids sales in West Virginia.
Ohio congresswoman sets mark for longest tenure by female
March 25, 2018 GMTTOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — The longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. House raised money for her first campaign more three decades ago by holding a bake sale.
Marcy Kaptur still returns from Washington most weekends to the modest single-story home where she grew up in Toledo, tending to a vegetable garden in the side yard during the summer.
Back to work: Government shutdown ends after Dems relent
January 23, 2018 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed a bill reopening the government late Monday, ending a 69-hour display of partisan dysfunction after Democrats reluctantly voted to temporarily pay for resumed operations.
The Latest: Trump signs bill reopening government
January 23, 2018 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the budget battle (all times local):
8:55 p.m.
The White House says President Donald Trump has signed a bill reopening the government, ending a 69-hour display of partisan dysfunction after Democrats reluctantly voted to temporarily pay for resumed operations.
The Latest: GOP says Trump trying to cushion shutdown impact
January 20, 2018 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on how the government shutdown is affecting national parks (all times local):
6:25 p.m.
A Republican senator from Montana says the Trump administration is trying to minimize the effects of the government shutdown by keeping at least some national parks open, but former President Barack Obama tried to make shutdowns painful for the American people.
Democrat Jones officially declared winner over Roy Moore
December 28, 2017 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Democrat Doug Jones' historic victory over Republican Roy Moore was declared official Thursday as Alabama election officials certified him the winner of the special Senate election, despite Moore's last-minute lawsuit claiming voter fraud.
The Latest: Ex-aide: Franks offered $5m to carry his child
December 9, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Arizona Rep. Trent Franks' resignation (all times EST):
3:45 p.m.
A former aide to Republican Rep. Trent Franks has told The Associated Press the congressman repeatedly pressed her to carry his child, at one point offering her $5 million to act as a surrogate.
Trump signs 2-week spending bill to avoid shutdown
December 8, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown and keep the federal government running through Dec. 22.
The president signed the two-week spending measure in private at the White House after the House and Senate acted to prevent a government shutdown this weekend.
Al Franken joins long list of lawmakers ousted by scandal
December 7, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota announced on Thursday that he will resign in the face of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. He joins a long list of lawmakers ousted by scandal.
Rep. Gutierrez of Illinois says it’s ‘my time to move on’
November 28, 2017 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, a Democratic party leader on efforts to overhaul the nation's immigration laws, announced Tuesday he won't seek re-election next year after 13 terms.
White House to submit $45 billion disaster request Friday
November 17, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is sending Congress an approximately $45 billion disaster aid request Friday that will fall short of demands from hurricane-slammed Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.
Female lawmakers allege harassment by colleagues in House
November 3, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — For years, Republican Rep. Mary Bono endured increasingly suggestive comments from a fellow lawmaker in the House of Representatives. But when the congressman approached her on the House floor and told her he'd been thinking about her in the shower, she'd had enough.
House backs $4T budget, faces challenges on Trump tax plan
October 26, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans powered a $4 trillion budget through the House on Thursday by a razor-thin margin, a close vote underscoring the difficulties that lie ahead in delivering President Donald Trump's promise to cut taxes.
House GOP chairmen announce probe of Obama’s Justice Dept
October 24, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican chairmen of two House committees announced Tuesday they're opening an investigation into actions the Obama administration Justice Department took during last year's presidential election.
Mike Pence’s brother launches run for Indiana US House seat
October 18, 2017 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Greg Pence, one of Mike Pence's older brothers, launched a campaign Wednesday for the eastern Indiana congressional seat that the vice president and former governor represented for 12 years...
The Latest: White House requests $29B disaster aid package
October 4, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on disaster aid funding (all times EDT):
5:30 p.m.
The White House has asked Congress for $29 billion in disaster aid to cover ongoing hurricane relief and recovery efforts and to pay federal flood insurance claims.
Records: Student-loan forgiveness has halted under Trump
July 26, 2017 GMTThe U.S. Education Department has not approved any applications for student-loan forgiveness in cases of possible fraud since President Donald Trump took office, according to records sent to an Illinois senator.
Democrats seek distance from impeachment call
June 13, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats distanced themselves on Tuesday from a longshot bid to impeach President Donald Trump, arguing that multiple investigations should play out before considering such drastic, politically fraught action.
Lawmaker: Vet citizenship of non-English-speaking schoolkids
May 11, 2017 GMTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Republican member in the Oklahoma House is suggesting that tens of thousands of non-English speaking students in public schools be turned over to U.S. immigration officials as cost-saving measure in the cash-strapped state.
Republicans question Trump’s firing of FBI director
May 11, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — More than a dozen Republican senators voiced concerns Wednesday over President Donald Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, in a series of statements suggesting the GOP was not yet prepared to close ranks behind its president.
GOP revs up to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ for vote, Dems sing bye
May 4, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Like boxers before a big fight, Republicans pumped themselves up with the pounding music of Survivor's 1980s anthem "Eye of the Tiger" and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "Takin' Care of Business" before passing a bill to dismantle Democrat Barack Obama's health care law.
The Latest: CA’s governor, GOP lawmakers spar on health bill
May 4, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the health care bill in the House (all times local):
5:05 p.m.
All 14 Republicans in California's congressional delegation voted for the health care bill, including three singled out before the vote by Democratic Gov.
Crowd shouts ‘You Lie’ at Joe Wilson, who shouted at Obama
April 11, 2017 GMTGRANITEVILLE, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina representative who shouted "You Lie" at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress was on the receiving end of the same words in his district this week.
What if there’s no affordable insurance to buy?
March 6, 2017 GMTLeslie Kurtz needed three plates, eight screws and a big assist from her insurer after breaking every bone in her ankle while white water rafting.
Coverage she purchased through a public insurance exchange established by the federal health care law paid $65,000 toward surgery and the care she needed after the 2015 accident.
Judge blocks California law on posting actors’ ages
February 23, 2017 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California law that restricts a popular Hollywood website from posting actors' ages raises First Amendment concerns and does not appear likely to combat age discrimination in the entertainment industry in any meaningful way, a federal judge said Wednesday.
Rancorous Senate ‘silencing’ gives Warren a national boost
February 9, 2017 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The turbulent national debate over race, gender and free speech consumed the normally staid Senate on Wednesday after the GOP majority voted to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren, abruptly elevating her celebrity status at a moment when liberals are hungry for a leader to take on Donald Trump.
On the Issues: Where the Illinois US Senate candidates stand
November 3, 2016 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Four candidates are running for U.S. Senate in Illinois: Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, Libertarian Kent McMillen and the Green Party's Scott Summers.
Advocacy group: US Rep. Mullin broke term limits pledge
July 10, 2016 GMTTULSA, Okla. (AP) — Already taking heat from some voters by appearing to waffle on a promise to leave Washington after six years, U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin also broke a 2011 pledge to support an amendment setting term limits for all of Congress, an advocacy group says.
Internet sales tax proposal opposed by GOP Senate candidates
June 29, 2016 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Three of the main Republican contenders for Louisiana's U.S. Senate seat said Wednesday they oppose proposed federal legislation to require companies to collect sales taxes on Internet purchases...
Gray wins Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Rand Paul
May 18, 2016 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Lexington Mayor Jim Gray on Tuesday claimed the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination in Kentucky, giving his struggling party a wealthy candidate with a business pedigree to take on first-term Republican Sen.
State of the Race: Campaign for Pennsylvania US Senate seat
April 14, 2016 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Thursday is the deadline for candidates for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania to report their campaign fundraising and spending activity in 2016 and details are starting to trickle out.
Pennsylvania Senate candidates: Where the Democrats stand
April 2, 2016 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A look at where Pennsylvania's three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate — John Fetterman, Joe Sestak and Katie McGinty — stand on a selection of issues, from abortion to trade.
Lawmakers delay action on ending restaurant alcohol barriers
February 16, 2016 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A push to repeal a quirky Utah liquor law requiring some restaurants to prepare alcoholic drinks out of public view likely has been shelved for at least another year after lawmakers said Tuesday that they needed more time to consider its implications.
DeMaio accuser sentenced to probation over threatening email
November 24, 2015 GMTSAN DIEGO (AP) — An aide to former California congressional candidate Carl DeMaio was sentenced Monday to five years' probation for lying to federal investigators about a threatening email he wrote but said might have come from DeMaio, one of several allegations that rocked one of last year's most closely watched congressional races.
Republicans sorry for saying ranger lied about making out
September 14, 2015 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers whom a park ranger cited for making out in a public park apologized Monday for accusing that ranger of lying and stepped down from a Minnesota House ethics panel in an apparent effort to head off a complaint from Democrats.
Monster of a fall awaits Congress after summer break
July 31, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — As lawmakers head out of the Capitol for a five-week summer recess, they leave behind a pile of unfinished business that all but guarantees a painful fall.
Not long after they return in September, they face a vote on President Barack Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, a brutally divisive issue that many expect will dominate voter town halls during their annual August break.
Planned Parenthood videos: No sign of abortion issue fading
July 25, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Two stealthily recorded videos show Planned Parenthood officials discussing how they provide aborted fetal organs for research. The videos have put the group and its Democratic allies on the defensive.
Capitol Hill Buzz: Meryl Streep asks Congress to revive ERA
June 23, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — No actor or actress can match Meryl Streep's 19 Academy Award nominations, and only Katharine Hepburn has bested her three Oscars for acting. So maybe it's conceivable that Streep's letter Tuesday to each member of Congress can somehow revive the Equal Rights Amendment, politically dormant since its high-water mark four decades ago.
Capitol Hill Buzz: Smoothies, doughnuts, sushi head to House
June 9, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Jamba Juice, Dunkin' Donuts and fresh sushi are coming to the House of Representatives.
The House is changing contractors for its several cafeterias and other food vendors. The new provider, Sodexo, promises to retain qualified workers amid widespread debate about their pay and work conditions.
VA must find millions to finish troubled Denver hospital
May 23, 2015 GMTDENVER (AP) — Construction crews are returning to work at the veterans hospital outside Denver after a last-minute deal with congressional leaders avoided a shutdown of the half-finished project.
But the really heavy lifting will be done 1,500 miles away in Washington.
House panel is told of slavery in Thai seafood industry
April 22, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Modern-day slavery persists around the world, including the abuse of fishermen in the Thai seafood industry whose catch can end up in U.S. markets, a congressional panel was told Wednesday.
Wording of Michigan’s Proposal 1 road funding measure
April 5, 2015 GMTThe wording of Proposal 1, which will be decided in a special Michigan election on May 5:
Emotional Nicklaus awarded congressional gold medal
March 24, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Golden Bear got a gold medal.
Congress on Tuesday awarded its highest civilian honor to golfing great Jack Nicklaus, who accepted the medal with a few tears, humility and humor.
House speaker backs IL congressman’s resignation
March 19, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner says he supports congressman Aaron Schock's abrupt decision to resign this week.
Schock is a 33-year-old Illinois Republican who announced his resignation amid scrutiny of lavish spending and payments to donors for flights on private jets.
Strategy shift for Wisconsin unions after right-to-work vote
March 6, 2015 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a likely presidential candidate who built his reputation on limiting the power of public-sector unions four years ago, plans to quickly sign a right-to-work bill after the Assembly passed it Friday at the end of an all-night session.
Arizona House panel OKs early version of ride-hailing rules
February 18, 2015 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona House panel approved a bill Wednesday on new rules for the ride-hailing industry that will serve as a placeholder until talks between taxi firms, insurers and companies such as Uber and Lyft end with a final deal.
Rep. Schock faces ethics questions on home sale
February 9, 2015 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — A watchdog group on Monday filed a complaint against Illinois Republican U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock over his home sale to a campaign donor.
Schock sold his home to an executive at Caterpillar, Inc., in 2012 for more than three times its assessed value, the liberal website Blue Nation Review reported last week.
Angry over Israeli’s planned speech, Dems hope to limit harm
February 7, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Israeli prime minister's upcoming speech to Congress without President Barack Obama's blessing has angered Democratic lawmakers, but they see little remedy except to hope for minimal damage to their party and to U.S.-Israel relations.
Fiery debate continues in Senate over Guantanamo prison
February 5, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The fiery debate over whether to close the Guantanamo Bay prison sparked anew Thursday as the Obama administration pushed back against a bill to restrict it from transferring terror subjects to other countries, while protesters in orange jumpsuits shouted it should be shuttered posthaste.
Senate Dems block GOP effort to wind down pipeline debate
January 26, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats temporarily stalled progress Monday on a bill to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline, the top priority of the Republican-controlled Congress.
In a 53-39 vote, the Senate blocked an attempt by Republican leaders to wind down debate.
Opening round Iran sanctions fight kicks off in Senate
January 20, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Congress and President Barack Obama are on a fast track toward confrontation over sanctions on Iran.
A bipartisan group of senators is pushing a new round of penalties despite the president's warning that they would scuttle delicate talks underway to prevent Tehran from being able to develop a nuclear weapon.
Plan to use budget process on health care law divides GOP
January 20, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans running Congress have promised to use every weapon in their arsenal to take down President Barack Obama's health care law.
But now some are questioning whether to use the congressional budget process to derail the 2010 law or save the special step for more traditional purposes like cutting spending or overhauling the tax code.
Idaho salamander bill squashed over federal overreach fears
January 19, 2015 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers worried that special recognition of the Idaho giant salamander could lead to federal protections have rejected a grade school student's request that it be named the state amphibian.
Republicans worry House race could hurt diversity effort
January 19, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Eager to attract more minority voters, some Republicans are worried that their party's near-certain candidate for a House seat in New York City could become the latest drag on GOP diversity efforts.
McCain wages a new national campaign, to define his legacy
January 19, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain is waging another national campaign — this time, to define his legacy.
After two unsuccessful presidential bids, the 78-year-old former Navy pilot and Vietnam prisoner of war has rebounded as the chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee.
First black female Republican to join US Congress
January 6, 2015 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Mia Love of Utah became the first black female Republican in Congress when she was sworn in Tuesday along with 57 other freshmen members of the U.S. House.
Love, the 39-year-old former mayor of Saratoga Springs, was elected in November, when Republicans captured the Senate and widened the majority in the House.
Here come the freshmen: Congress’ newest class
January 4, 2015 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Congress' approval rating hovers around 15 percent, but there's one group of people excited about the institution: the newly elected lawmakers who are about to join its ranks.
The House will welcome 58 freshmen this coming week, including 43 Republicans and 15 Democrats, pushing the Republican majority to 246 members, the most since the onset of the Great Depression in 1930.
In final 2014 push, Congress renews tax breaks
December 17, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Banks, retailers, commuters and teachers will keep their temporary tax breaks for another year after Congress gave final approval Tuesday to a massive tax package affecting millions of businesses and individuals.
Leader of House Benghazi committee defends inquiry
December 10, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of a special House committee investigating the deadly 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, strongly defended his inquiry Wednesday, even as Democrats and some Republicans said previous probes have already answered remaining questions about the attacks that killed four Americans.
Rand Paul headlines GOP rally in La. Senate race
November 10, 2014 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Republican Senate candidate Bill Cassidy finally got the tea party assist Monday that he sought in his bid to oust Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu, drawing the endorsement of his former GOP competitor and rallying with Kentucky Sen.
US House leader sketches early agenda
November 6, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The leader of the U.S. House of Representatives says the Republican-controlled Congress will act to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, make changes in the health care law and encourage businesses to hire more veterans.
Senate News Guide: Republicans win Senate
November 5, 2014 GMTRepublicans wrapped up Senate control before midnight, their wish list becoming reality:
WISH LIST
—Win seats being vacated by retiring Democrats in West Virginia, Montana, South Dakota: Check.
2nd Republican pickup: Arkansas Democrat loses
November 5, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have lost a Senate seat in Arkansas as Republicans inch closer to their goal of a Senate majority.
Republican Tom Cotton foiled Sen. Mark Pryor's bid for a third term by tying the incumbent to President Barack Obama, who is unpopular in the state.
Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows
November 1, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Guest lineups for the Sunday TV news shows:
ABC's "This Week" —Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus; Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., head of the Democratic National Committee.
Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows
November 1, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Guest lineups for the Sunday TV news shows:
ABC's "This Week" —Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus; Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.
5 Republican goals if they win the Senate Nov. 4
September 28, 2014 GMTFive things Republicans hope to do if they win control of the Senate this fall:
1. Try to pass measures backed by some congressional Democrats but opposed by President Barack Obama. This could include approving the Keystone XL oil pipeline and removing a tax on medical devices.
Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows
September 20, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Guest lineups for the Sunday TV news shows:
ABC's "This Week" — Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Congress approves inflation increase for veterans
September 16, 2014 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of veterans and their dependents will get a fresh cost-of-living increase for their disability benefits beginning in December, according to legislation that Congress sent President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
Michelle Obama stumps for Nunn in Ga. Senate race
September 9, 2014 GMTATLANTA (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama debuted on the 2014 campaign trail Monday in Georgia, where Senate candidate Michelle Nunn is working to pick up a key seat for Democrats.
The open Senate seat is a critical battleground in the national fight for control of the Senate, in which Republicans must gain six seats to win the majority.
McConnell, Grimes spar at Kentucky farm forum
August 20, 2014 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's U.S. Senate candidates had a hard time talking about farming without slinging mud.
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes took turns attacking each other in a cramped board room of the Kentucky Farm Bureau on Wednesday in the candidates' first joint question-and-answer session of the contentious campaign.