The Latest Breaking News from Patty Murray

Democrats May Struggle to Reverse Trump's Science Cuts Even With Midterm Win, Ex-NSF Official Warns

A Democratic congressional victory could increase scrutiny of Donald Trump's science policies, but former officials warn that restoring cancelled funding and reversing agency changes may take years.

International Business Times UK · 8h ago

DHS Bought Five Jets at a $41 Million Markup on Noem's Last Morning — and They're Still Grounded in Louisiana

Noem asks the NYT to retract its DHS jet story, contesting the 'donor' label. See what she disputes, what the reporting says and what comes next.

Latin Times · Oct 8

'Disturbing and Dystopian': Trump Latest Agenda Rewards Higher Marriage and Birth Rates With More Funding

The Federal Transit Administration is considering a formula that would increase federal funding for some transit projects in corridors with above-average marriage and birth rates.

International Business Times UK · Oct 7

Trump administration uses rare authority to claw back nearly $1B in spending approved by Congress

President Donald Trump is canceling nearly $1 billion in spending approved by Congress, targeting programs for immigrants, migrant students, minority businesses and other initiatives. The White House invoked a rarely used “pocket rescission” process, while congressional critics including Republican Sen. Susan Collins questioned its legality and the administration’s authority over…

The Economic Times · Sep 26

Trump’s pick to lead the FDA won’t say if she thinks birth control is abortion, alarming advocates

Heidi Overton could revisit mifepristone’s approval and wouldn’t answer questions about IUDs in her Senate confirmation hearing

The Independent UK · Sep 25

Stopgap funding bill delays OMB grants rule until December 11

On September 3, President Donald Trump (R) signed a stopgap spending bill which funds the federal government until Dec. 11. The bill averted a government shutdown, but also delayed the implementation of an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed rule on federal grantmaking that would give political appointees and…

Ballotpedia · Sep 25

Trump’s FDA nominee questioned on vaccines and abortion stance in Senate hearing

Securing the top position will require Overton to gain majority support from the 21 members of the health panel before advancing to a full Senate vote

The Independent UK · Sep 24

FDA nominee evasive on abortion pill but firm on vaccine safety

Republicans and Democrats alike on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee tried repeatedly with little success to elicit opinions from the White House’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration, Heidi Overton, on health policy or a pledge to assert the agency’s independence. Throughout the hearing Thursday, Overton told senators…

Roll Call · Sep 24

Senators from Both Parties Push Back on Reported Plan for Political Appointees to Approve NIH Grants

Senators from both parties oppose a reported plan for political appointees to approve NIH grants. No order has been issued. How peer review works now.

Medical Daily · Sep 23

‘Heroine to us’: Mikulski returns to the Hill to mark 90th birthday

Current and former lawmakers gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of former Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Democrat from Maryland who smashed through glass ceilings and “held the door” for the next generation, they said. Every living former and current Maryland senator was in attendance on Wednesday, as well as House…

Roll Call · Sep 23