The Latest Breaking News from Charles E. Schumer

‘Toothless messaging’? Senate agenda caught up in midterm branding

As senators looked for the exits this week, Republican leaders forced votes on two hot-topic campaign issues: data center electricity costs and lawmakers’ ability to buy and sell stocks. Democrats tried to label both as “toothless” last-ditch messaging bids, saying Republicans are merely trying to boost their sagging polls as…

Roll Call · Sep 30

Voluntary ratepayer protection bill blocked in Senate again

A bipartisan bill aimed at pressuring state utility regulators to reduce data center-related costs stalled in the Senate again Wednesday after a procedural vote to take up the bill fell short of the 60 supporters needed to move forward. The cloture vote on the motion to proceed was 57-43, keeping the…

Roll Call · Sep 30

AI export controls debate rages as Trump, Xi meet

Senate Democrats are using Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s high-profile state visit to Washington this week to press Republicans for votes on export control legislation restricting Beijing’s access to advanced chips used in artificial intelligence technology. The bills in question have bipartisan support, and Republicans agreed to include them in a…

Roll Call · Sep 23

Wrapup: Congress’ July sprint off to a stumbling start

Republican leaders laid the groundwork for a final dash to pass partisan legislative priorities before August recess. But if this week was any indication, it won’t be an easy run. First, Washington was struck by the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on July 11. Moving quickly, South Carolina…

Roll Call · Jul 17

Where has all the FISA fire gone?

Congress let a key spy power lapse over a month ago. In the few legislative days left ahead of August recess, lawmakers don’t appear to be in any rush to change that. Discussions in the House have stalled as they wait for the Senate to move — even though Speaker…

Roll Call · Jul 15

Supreme Court justices emphasize need for security funding

Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett pitched increased security funding for the Supreme Court next year at a pair of rare congressional hearings for sitting justices Tuesday that covered issues ranging from emergency cases to judicial ethics. Kagan and Barrett focused most of their testimony on increased security concerns…

Roll Call · Jul 14

Platner, accused of sexual assault, suspends Senate campaign

Maine Democrat Graham Platner suspended his campaign for Senate on Wednesday night, a move that allows the state party to select an alternate candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a marquee matchup this fall.  Platner’s announcement that he would drop out of the race comes two days after…

Roll Call · Jul 8

Congress faces its own summer heat dome

The sweltering Fourth of July weekend is over, but for both parties in House and Senate leadership, the heat is still cranked up. Both chambers are likely to return next Monday to the same sweat-inducing tangle of legislative problems that left them stumped as they headed out of town at…

Roll Call · Jul 6

Senate clashes over fate of ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

Senate Democrats sought to pass legislation to abolish the White House’s supposedly defunct “anti-weaponization” fund Tuesday, in a floor move blocked by Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., attempted to pass via unanimous consent the measure to stop the $1.8 billion fund from the Department…

Roll Call · Jun 16

Trump soft pitches take-home pay message

Buried deep inside President Donald Trump’s typical campaign trail stump speech have been brief mentions about boosting voters’ take-home pay, which could boost Republican congressional candidates in November. But there are worries in GOP circles that the president is not focused enough on his economic stewardship, amid sagging poll numbers,…

Roll Call · Jun 15