The Latest Breaking News from Senate Judiciary Committee

Texas school shooting precedes Senate hearing on pick to run ATF

WASHINGTON — Steven Dettelbach starts the most public part of his effort to become only the second person to successfully run the Senate confirmation gantlet to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in a political high-wire act at a hearing Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Tribune News Service · May 24, 2022

More federal funding for law enforcement officers’ mental health is a must

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a majority of police officers face a risk of alcohol abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and one in four have considered suicide.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 17, 2022

Supreme Court gets defensive after abortion draft leak - Roll Call

The leaked draft of a Supreme Court abortion decision marked a changing point for the historically cloistered institution.

Roll Call · May 9, 2022

What conservative justices said — and didn't say — about Roe at their confirmations

Democrats say several conservative justices lied to the Senate in their confirmations. But nominees have long taken a careful line on Roe, acknowledging it as a precedent without saying much more.

WEKU · May 3, 2022

Newsom's 'CARE Court' homelessness plan faces new questions before first hearing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Battle lines have emerged in the debate over Gov. Gavin Newsom's far-reaching and controversial effort to provide court-ordered treatment for homeless individuals with severe mental illness, with Democrats and local government officials divided as the plan faces its first public hearing Tuesday.

Los Angeles Times · Apr 26, 2022

Ketanji Brown Jackson Says Her Faith Sustains Her But Won’t Impede Judgments On Supreme Court

Senator Graham made religion and rulings on it a fiery focal point during confirmation hearings.

Zenger · Apr 25, 2022

Pennsylvania musician files suit related to Janus

Musician Glen Wilkofsky sued the American Federation of Musicians, Local 45, and the Allentown Symphony Association on April 11, alleging that the Supreme Court’s 2018 Janus v. AFSCME decision should apply to symphony association employees. Depending on the outcome of the case, it could have implications for employees of other…

Ballotpedia · Apr 22, 2022

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signs bill prohibiting public spending on union activities

On April 6, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed SB1166, prohibiting public-sector employers from spending public funds on a union’s political or lobbying activities. 

Ballotpedia · Apr 15, 2022

Durbin, Lightfoot, Raoul, Moseley Braun: At Ketanji Brown Jackson White House Supreme Court fete

Said Mayor Lightfoot: “Being a Black woman and ascending to the heights” that Jackson “has gotten to” means “you’ve been through it all, through every fight, you know, every trick, and you know how they don’t want us to succeed.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 9, 2022

Lawsuit claiming public-sector employees must be informed of Janus rights dismissed

On March 28, Judge John F. Kness of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois dismissed an Illinois teacher’s lawsuit claiming that, under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, public-sector unions are obligated to inform prospective members of their right not to join…

Ballotpedia · Apr 8, 2022