U.S. Senate Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

U.S. Senate Votes To Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

By Tom Banse March 15, 2022

File photo. A loosely coordinated effort is gaining steam to get all West Coast states to synchronize their clocks to year-round daylight saving time. CREDIT: HENRIQUE SIMPLICIO / FLICKR PHOTO HTTPS://FLIC.KR/P/F1JXBL

U.S. Senate votes to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. CREDIT: HENRIQUE SIMPLICIO / FLICKR/FLIC.KR/P/F1JXBL Listen Tom Banse reports on efforts to make Daylight Saving Time permanent / Runtime: 1 minute… Continue Reading U.S. Senate Votes To Read More

As The Threat Of Default Grows, The Senate Faces Another Debt Ceiling Vote

By NPR News October 6, 2021

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, as President Joe Biden urged Republican senators to "get out of the way" and let Democrats suspend the nation's debt limit, hoping to keep the U.S. government from bumping dangerously close to a credit default.

Senate Democrats are trying a fresh attempt to stave off a potential debt default with a Wednesday afternoon vote meant to pressure Republicans into dropping their blockage of legislation to address the nation's borrowing limit. Continue Read More

Vice President Harris Hints That She Has Discussed Filibuster Changes With Senators

By NPR News July 13, 2021

Vice President Harris speaks about voting rights at the White House complex on June 23. President Biden tapped her to lead the administration's efforts on the issue. CREDIT: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

BY ASMA KHALID & ARNIE SEIPEL With voting rights legislation stalled in the Senate because of Republican opposition, Vice President Harris suggested that she has talked to senators about exceptions… Continue Read More

With No GOP Votes, Republicans Block Democrats’ Sweeping Voting Rights Legislation In The Senate

By NPR News June 22, 2021

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks Tuesday after the weekly Senate Republican Policy luncheon. McConnell united his caucus in opposition to Democrats' election overhaul bill. CREDIT: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Democrats' massive election overhaul bill aimed at protecting and expanding voting rights and reforming campaign finance laws has stalled in the Senate. Continue Reading With No GOP Votes, Republicans Block Read More

U.S. Senate Unanimously Approves A Bill To Make Juneteenth A Public Holiday

By NPR News June 15, 2021

The Senate unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would make Juneteenth, the date commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States, a legal public holiday. Continue Reading U.S. Senate Unanimously Approves A Bill To Read More

U.S. House Gives Final Approval To $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Bill, No Republicans Support

By NPR News March 10, 2021

The U.S. House passed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 economic relief bill on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 with no Republican support in the U.S. House or Senate. CREDIT: CSPAN

The House voted 220-211 with no Republicans voting in favor of the bill, despite calls for bipartisan support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Democratic leaders. One Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden, voted against the bill. Read More

Senate Votes 57-43 On Impeachment Charge, Not Enough To Convict; 7 GOP Vote ‘Guilty’

By NPR News February 13, 2021

Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump - Senate floor - February 9, 2021

A majority of senators voted to convict Trump — 57 to 43, including seven Republicans. But two-thirds, or 67 votes, is needed to convict. It was the second time Trump was acquitted in an impeachment trial. The seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump Saturday were: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Lisa Murkowski of Read More

Impeachment Trial Day 4: Trump’s Team Wraps Case In Under 3 Hours, Focuses On Free Speech

By PBS Newshour February 12, 2021

In this image from video, Michael van der Veen, an attorney for former President Donald Trump, answers a question from Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., during the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. CREDIT: Senate Television via AP

Attorneys for former President Donald Trump presented a speedy defense argument Friday in the Senate impeachment trial, using less than three hours to make the case the proceedings were a partisan smear campaign by Democrats, and that Trump should be acquitted because his call to “fight” the election was a figure of speech protected by the First Amendment. Read More

Washington U.S. Senator Patty Murray Recounts ‘Horrific’ Encounter With Capitol Insurrectionists

By PBS Newshour February 12, 2021

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the ranking member, and Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate health committee, introduced legislation to address health care issues such as surprise medical bills and high drug costs. CREDIT: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a top Senate Democrat, revealed Friday that she came “inches away” from an encounter with violent rioters during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, speaking publicly about the experience for the first time as the Senate continued the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Read More

How To Watch, What To Know: Your Guide To The Impeachment Trial Of Donald Trump

By PBS Newshour February 12, 2021

We have a special place in history. Never have Americans been so experienced in presidential impeachment as we. Two impeachments in just more than a single year. Nonetheless, experience does not yield understanding. Impeachment is a rare and confusing process. This is just the fourth presidential impeachment in history. And each impeachment process and set of arguments is Read More

Impeachment Trial Day 3: Democrats Wrap Their Case As Trump’s Defense Prepares Friday Arguments

By PBS Newshour February 11, 2021

The House impeachment managers concluded their arguments in the Senate trial Thursday with a forceful condemnation of former President Donald Trump, arguing that he should be convicted to send a message that extremism and violence have no place in American politics. Read More

Impeachment Trial Day 2: Democrats Highlight How Close Rioters Came To Encountering Senators

By NPR News February 10, 2021

Del. Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a House impeachment manager, played senators new video and audio footage documenting the violent mayhem of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. CREDIT: Handout/Getty Images

House impeachment managers showed chilling new footage to senators during Day 2 of Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial, highlighting just how close the violent mob got to then-Vice President Mike Pence and congressional lawmakers on Jan. 6. Read More

Trump’s 2nd Impeachment Trial Begins. Here’s What You Need To Know

By NPR News February 8, 2021

House impeachment managers, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., seen leaving the Senate floor after delivering the article of impeachment on Capitol Hill on Jan. 25. They will deliver the case against former President Trump starting Tuesday, Feb. 9. CREDIT: Melina Mara-Pool/Getty Images

President Trump made history when he became the first president to be impeached twice by the House of Representatives. Roughly a year ago, the Senate acquitted Trump on two articles — abuse of power and obstruction. This time he faces one article approved by the House arguing he incited an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the day that Congress was required by Read More

Congress Approves Budget, Paving The Way For President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Package

By NPR News February 5, 2021

The House quickly approved a budget resolution intended to speed the drafting of President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The Senate approved the same budget resolution early Friday morning. With the Senate evenly divided, Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote. Read More

House Formally Transmits Article Of Impeachment Against Trump To Senate, Setting Up Feb. 9 Trial

By NPR News January 26, 2021

L-R: U.S. House Clerk Cheryl Johnson, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. David Cicilline walk walk through the Capitol's Statuary Hall to deliver the article of impeachment for incitement of insurrection against former President Trump to the Senate floor on Monday evening. Tasos Katopodis/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

At about 7 p.m. ET Monday, House impeachment managers delivered to the Senate an article of impeachment against former President Donald Trump, a move that prompts preparations for a historic trial. Continue Reading Read More

Senate To Begin Trump’s Impeachment Trial Week Of Feb. 8

By NPR News January 22, 2021

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y at the U.S. Capitol Friday. CREDIT: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the sole article of impeachment for incitement to insurrection against former President Donald Trump will be delivered to the Senate on Monday and a trial against the Republican will begin the week of Feb. 8. Continue Read More

2 Washington Republicans Join Democrats In Voting For Impeachment

By NWPB News January 13, 2021

Washington Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler spoke on the U.S. House floor on Jan. 6, 2021, after the mob attack on the Capitol, arguing against objections to the Electoral College certification in Congress. CREDIT: CSPAN/Screenshot

The U.S. House voted 232 to 197 Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time. Democrats were joined by 10 congressional Republicans – including two from Washington state. Continue Reading 2 Washington Republicans Join Read More

Joe Biden Poised To Enter Presidency With Fewest Cabinet Confirmations In Decades

By NPR News January 9, 2021

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd Austin speaks last month in Wilmington, Del., after being nominated to be defense secretary. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

With less than two weeks before he assumes office, President-elect Joe Biden is on track to have few, if any, Cabinet members confirmed on Inauguration Day, the first president to face such a personnel issue in recent history. Read More

McMorris Rodgers Reverses Course, More Reactions From Northwest Lawmakers On Capitol Violence

By NWPB News January 6, 2021

Protesters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) later released a statement: "What we have seen today is unlawful and unacceptable. I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results and I encourage Donald Trump to condemn and put an end to this madness.” Read More

Democrats Move Closer To Senate Control As Races Called For Two Georgia Democrats

By NPR News January 6, 2021

Raphael Warnock, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks during a Nov. 15, 2020, campaign rally in Marietta, Ga., ahead of the Jan. 5, 2021 run-off election. As the head of the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, Warnock did not shy away from impassioned sermons and forceful advocacy on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged. CREDIT: Brynn Anderson/AP

Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock, a pastor from Atlanta, defeated GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler after a bitter campaign. Warnock becomes the first Black Democrat elected to the Senate from a Southern state. Continue Reading Read More

Congress Overturns President’s Veto On Defense Bill After Political Detour

By NPR News January 1, 2021

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., at the Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. The Senate voted Friday to override President Trump's veto on the annual defense bill. Susan Walsh/AP

The Senate voted Friday to overturn President Trump's veto of the mammoth annual defense bill in an unprecedented act that assures the decades-long continuity for that legislation. It follows a House vote earlier this week. Continue Read More

As Year-End Looms, House And Senate Still Seek Deal On More Coronavirus Aid

By NPR News December 13, 2020

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin with group of Democratic and Republican senators

With lawmakers facing a mounting year-end to-do list, a deal on a new coronavirus relief package continues to be elusive for Congress. Continue Reading As Year-End Looms, House And Senate Still Seek Deal On More Coronavirus AidRead More

U.S. House Approves Decriminalizing Marijuana; Bill To Stall In GOP-Controlled Senate

By NPR News December 4, 2020

Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon has been pushing for federal decriminalization laws for years and argued Americans already showed support by voting to legalize cannabis in states across the country. CREDIT: House Television via AP

The legislation removes cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and expunges low-level convictions and arrests. But the GOP Senate is not expected to take up the bill. Continue Reading U.S. House Approves Read More

Bipartisan Group Pushes $908B COVID-19 Plan, But McConnell Crafts Bill Trump Will Sign

By NPR News December 1, 2020

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., helped craft the bipartisan proposal. CREDIT: Toni Sandys/Pool/The Washington Post via AP

A loosely assembled group of House and Senate lawmakers released a legislative framework they hope can break the months-long impasse between party leaders and the White House on pandemic relief. Continue Reading Bipartisan Read More

From DACA To Border, Biden’s Immigration Promises Likely Hinge On Who Controls The Senate

By NPR News November 9, 2020

The Senate side of the Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C., early Monday. Experts say President-elect Joe Biden's ability to reshape the U.S. immigration system will be sharply limited if Republicans retain control of the Senate. CREDIT: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

President-elect Biden is expected to quickly reverse some of the Trump administration's most controversial policies. But his ability to reshape immigration would be limited in a divided government. Continue Reading From Read More

The 13 Races That Will Determine The Senate Majority

By NPR News October 29, 2020

President Trump campaigned with Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., in Prescott, Ariz., this month. McSally is a top target of Senate Democrats, who are hoping to flip her seat blue on Election Day. CREDIT: Alex Brandon/AP

These are the 13 races that will determine control of the Senate in the next Congress. To win control, Democrats would need to net-gain four seats, or three seats plus control of the White House. Continue Reading The 13 Races That Will Determine The Senate Read More

Senate Approves Spending Stopgap, Hours Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

By NPR News September 30, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., called Democrats latest COVID bill a political stunt as negotiators attempt to reach a relief agreement before the election. CREDIT: AP

The legislation passed hours before current funding levels are set to expire. With government funding resolved it's unclear whether both chambers can come together on a coronavirus relief package. Continue Reading Senate Approves Spending Read More

Former Washington U.S. Senator Slade Gorton Dies At 92

By Austin Jenkins August 19, 2020

Former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton has died at the age of 92. A Republican, he served three terms in the Senate. He was also a state lawmaker and three-term state attorney general. CREDIT: U.S. Senate

Former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton of Washington, a three-term Republican and 9/11 commissioner, has died at the age of 92. Thomas Slade Gorton III was born in Chicago in 1928. He was a descendant of the Gorton Seafood family of Massachusetts. But it was politics that attracted him from a young age. Read More

‘Going To Be Very Disturbing’: Dr. Anthony Fauci Warns Coronavirus Cases Could Reach 100K A Day

By NPR News June 30, 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before the Senate alongside public health officials and members of the White House coronavirus task force on June 30, 2020. CREDIT: KEVIN DIETSCH//AFP via Getty Images

The Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions convened Tuesday to address plans to reopen schools and workplaces amid the coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading ‘Going To Be Very Disturbing’: Dr. Anthony Read More

U.S. Senate Passes Big Funding Boost To Conservation Fund, Help For National Parks Maintenance

By Courtney Flatt June 17, 2020

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell helped push through the Great American Outdoors Act, speaking on the Senate floor with a picture of Mount Rainier on June 17, 2020. Screenshot / Courtesy of U.S. Senate

The Great American Outdoors Act would permanently allocate $900 million to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which finally lapsed almost two years ago. Continue Reading U.S. Senate Passes Big Funding Boost To Read More

Senators Clash Over How Soon To Reopen The Economy

By NPR News May 19, 2020

Lawmakers squabbled over how quickly the economy can rebound from the coronavirus shutdown and whether the government is doing enough to support struggling families and businesses. Continue Reading Senators Clash Over How Soon To Reopen The EconomyRead More

Senate Office Tells Joe Biden It Cannot Seek Tara Reade Records

By NPR News May 4, 2020

Former Vice President and 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden requested Senate records related to allegations from a former aide. If such a record exists, the office that would handle it says it cannot make a public release. CREDIT: KC McGinnis for NPR

Joe Biden asked the secretary of the Senate to find "any and all" documentation of a sexual harassment complaint by former staffer Tara Reade, but the office says such records would be confidential. Continue Reading Senate Office Tells Joe Biden Read More

Sen. Richard Burr’s Pre-Pandemic Stock Sell-Offs Highly Unusual, Analysis Shows

By NPR News April 16, 2020

Sen. Richard Burr "has relatively lousy performance over the broad period," according to a Dartmouth professor who reviewed his trading history. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The recent stock sales by the North Carolina Republican were a market-beating anomaly that didn't match his typically middling trading history, according to a new Dartmouth College analysis. Continue Reading Sen. Richard Read More

U.S. House Passes $2 Trillion Coronavirus Economic Relief Bill, Heads To President For Signature

By NPR News March 27, 2020

President Trump signs the CARES act, a $2 trillion rescue package to provide economic relief amid the coronavirus outbreak, at the Oval Office of the White House on Friday. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

A historic $2 trillion economic recovery package will be sent to the president's desk for signature after House lawmakers passed the bipartisan bill Friday afternoon. Continue Reading U.S. House Passes $2 Trillion Read More

‘Not Guilty’: President Trump Acquitted On 2 Articles Of Impeachment As Historic Trial Closes

By NPR News February 5, 2020

Article 1 of the impeachment, regarding abuse of power, garnered 48 "Guilty" votes, with only Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney crossing party lines. CREDIT: Senate Television / screengrab

Senators voted on Wednesday afternoon to acquit President Trump on two articles of impeachment — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — after a historically unusual but typically contentious trial. Continue Read More

Impeachment Trial Winds Down In Closing Arguments, With Final Vote Coming Wednesday

By NPR News February 3, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., gives a thumbs-up as he leaves the Senate chamber during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump at the Capitol, Jan. 31, 2020. CREDIT: Steve Helber/AP

House Democrats and President Trump's defense team made their final arguments Monday in the Senate impeachment trial before lawmakers vote Wednesday on whether to remove Trump from office. Both sides presented opposing versions of the president's handling of aid for Ukraine last summer and the impeachment proceedings so far, before ultimately arriving at divergent Read More

Impeachment Trial Heads Toward Finish Line This Week After Senate Republicans Deny Witnesses

By NPR News February 2, 2020

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk along the South Lawn as they depart from the White House for a weekend trip to Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. CREDIT: Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

The key question of President Trump's impeachment trial was answered Friday evening: There will be no new witness testimony, including from former national security adviser John Bolton. Final arguments will begin 11 a.m. on Monday and will not exceed four hours total. The House's impeachment managers and the president's defense team will receive equal time. Read More

No Witnesses In Impeachment Trial: Close Senate Vote Signals Trump Will Likely Be Acquitted Soon

By NPR News January 31, 2020

Senators cast their vote on the motion to allow additional witnesses and evidence to be allowed in the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The motion failed with a vote of 51-49. CREDIT: Senate Television via AP

The vote was not a surprise, following announcements from key Republican senators that they would not be supporting witnesses. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said they do not need to hear testimony, which would prolong the trial. Read More

Day 9 Recap: Senators Wrap 2nd Day Of Questions; Vote Expected Friday On Witnesses

By NPR News January 30, 2020

Chief Justice John Roberts, who reads the questions at the impeachment trial, blocked one query from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., which may have revealed the identity of the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry. Senate Television via Getty Images

Senators weighing impeachment charges against President Trump spent Thursday firing questions at lawyers as they did the day before, just as the prospect of former national security adviser John Bolton's appearance as a witness continues to stoke speculation. The Senate will enter its next phase Friday — considering whether to allow witnesses and evidence. Read More

Day 7 Recap: President’s Team Wraps Arguments, Setting Stage For Senators’ Questions

By NPR News January 28, 2020

File photo. President Donald Trump speaks to attorney and impeachment defense team member Alan Dershowitz, right, as he arrives for Christmas Eve dinner at Mar-a-lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Dershowitz says he hasn't changed at all and has a long history of representing people whose views he doesn't necessarily agree with. Dershowitz is part of President Donald Trump's defense team at the Senate impeachment trial. CREDIT: Andrew Harnik/AP

President Trump's defense team completed its arguments Tuesday against his removal from office in the Senate impeachment trial. "I think we've made our case," White House counsel Pat Cipollone said. "All you need in this case is the Constitution and your common sense." The trial resumes Wednesday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Read More

Day 5 Recap: President Trump’s Team Opens With Vow To Deflate Democrats’ Case

By NPR News January 25, 2020

President Trump's personal attorney Jay Sekulow (center) stands with his son, Jordan Sekulow (left), and White House counsel Pat Cipollone in the Capitol on Saturday. CREDIT: Julio Cortez/AP

President Trump's legal team opened its response to the Democrats' allegations with a rare Saturday session that said the accusers' facts were wrong and Trump must preserve his office. Continue Reading Day 5 Recap: President Read More

Day 3 Recap: Democratic Impeachment Managers Continue Making Their Case

By NPR News January 23, 2020

House impeachment manager Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., laid out what he called the legal theory for impeachment as the House is pursuing it. CREDIT: AP

Congress has the power to impeach and remove a president over conduct that may not violate black-letter law — and President Trump's actions qualify, House Democratic impeachment managers argued Thursday. Continue Reading Day 3 Recap: Read More

Day 2 Recap: Senators Implored To Consider Magnitude Of The Moment In Impeachment

By NPR News January 22, 2020

L-R: Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries head toward the Senate Chamber before the start of President Trump's impeachment trial Wednesday. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

With the ground rules having been settled in the early hours after sometimes bitter litigation between the House delegation and Trump's legal team, senators returned Wednesday to hear the formal opening of the case. Continue Read More

Day 1 Recap: Senate Adopts Rules Of Impeachment Trial After 13 Hours Of Debate

By NPR News January 22, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks out of the Senate Chamber before the start of President Trump's impeachment trial on Tuesday. CREDIT: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

After a long day and night of dueling between the House managers calling for impeachment and attorneys for President Trump declaring the articles of impeachment "ridiculous," the Senate adopted a set of rules that will govern its impeachment trial, in which opening arguments will get underway Wednesday. Read More

READ: White House’s Arguments In President Trump’s Impeachment Trial

By PBS Newshour January 20, 2020

The new fence surrounding the White House is seen behind a screen in Washington, U.S., January 12, 2020. CREDIT: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

President Donald Trump’s legal team rejected the House of Representatives’ impeachment charges as “flimsy” and called on senators to “swiftly reject” them in the trial set to begin Tuesday. Continue Reading READ: White House’s Arguments Read More

U.S. House Approves Impeachment Managers, Votes To Transmit Articles For Senate Trial

By NPR News January 15, 2020

ouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California announces the seven impeachment managers — (flanking Pelosi from left) Hakeem Jeffries, Sylvia Garcia, Jerry Nadler, Adam Schiff, Val Demings, Zoe Lofgren Jason Crow — on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Susan Walsh/AP

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Reps. Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, Zoe Lofgren, Val Demings, Hakeem Jeffries, Sylvia Garcia and Jason Crow as impeachment managers. Pelosi said Schiff will take the lead. Continue Reading Read More

Jeff Sessions Says He Will Run For His Old Alabama Senate Seat

By NPR News November 8, 2019

Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions addresses a business group in Montgomery, Ala., last year. Sessions announced Thursday that he will run to regain his old Senate seat. Jay Reeves/AP

A year ago, Sessions resigned as attorney general after months of tension with President Trump, who complained that the former Alabama senator was not sufficiently loyal. Continue Reading Jeff Sessions Says He Will Run For His Old Alabama Senate Read More

U.S. House Passes Landmark Bill On Marijuana Business Banking, Fate Uncertain In Senate

By Jeff Mapes September 26, 2019

Thirty states have legalized some form of medical marijuana. Nine of those states and Washington, D.C., allow recreational sale of the drug.CREDIT: TED S. WARREN

The U.S. House on Wednesday passed a landmark bill aimed at helping the fast-growing legal cannabis industry. Backers of fully legalizing marijuana said the 321-103 vote in favor of the so-called “SAFE Banking Act” is a key victory in their drive to bring the drug out of the legal shadows. Read More

Will Low-Polling Democrats Jump From Presidential Runs To Senate Races?

By PBS Newshour August 18, 2019

Beto O'Rourke speaks on stage during the Willie Nelson concert in support of his campaign for U.S. Senate at Auditorium Shores on September 29, 2018 in Austin, Texas. CREDIT: GARY MILLER/GETTY IMAGES

A whopping 23 Democrats are running to defeat President Donald Trump, but only one can win, leaving many to ask whether low-polling candidates should bow out and instead help flip the U.S. Senate to their party. Continue Reading Will Read More

Patty Murray Joins GOP Senate Colleague In Targeting High Health Care Bills, Drug Costs

By NPR News May 23, 2019

In a year already marked by a wide variety of congressional health care legislation, Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., on Thursday released the details of a plan they hope will help bring down health costs and eliminate surprise medical bills for patients. Read More