The Latest Breaking News from Washington D.C.

After past farm bill stumbles, GOP this year faces the challenge of inexperience

WASHINGTON — In the four years since Congress enacted the current farm bill, more than 40 percent of the seats in the House have turned over.

Tribune News Service · Jan 24, 2023

Democrats await key decisions on House Appropriations seats

WASHINGTON — House Democrats this week will fill out their party’s committee assignments, which will involve a switch among top party leaders serving on Appropriations and removing four members from Ways and Means to adhere to a bipartisan agreement on committee ratios.

Tribune News Service · Jan 24, 2023

Romanian organised crime group targeted North East stores in £150,000 'phone steaming' plot

Shops in Blyth, Morpeth, Washington, County Durham, Hartlepool, Seaham and Darlington fell victim to the crime gang

Chronicle Live · Jan 24, 2023

Debt ceiling: 2011 showdown leaves lessons for Biden, GOP

Lessons learned from the debt ceiling standoff more than a decade ago are rippling through Washington

The Independent UK · Jan 24, 2023

US confronts China over companies’ ties to Russian war effort

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration has confronted China’s government with evidence that suggests some Chinese state-owned companies may be providing assistance for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, as it tries to ascertain if Beijing is aware of those activities, according to people familiar with the matter.

Tribune News Service · Jan 24, 2023

US confronts China with evidence of companies aiding Putin’s war in Ukraine

WASHINGTON: The Biden administration has confronted China’s government with evidence that suggests some Chinese state-owned companies may be providing assistance for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, as it tries to ascertain if Beijing is aware of those activities, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Times of India · Jan 24, 2023

Democrats renew push to confirm Biden’s picks for federal courts

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats plan to make judicial nominations a priority this Congress, kicking off the first full session week with an expanded 51-seat majority that will make it easier for them to sweep President Joe Biden’s picks onto the bench.

Tribune News Service · Jan 24, 2023

McCarthy urged to keep Schiff, Swalwell on House Intelligence panel

WASHINGTON — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries renominated two California Democrats to serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, setting up a clash with Speaker Kevin McCarthy over committee assignments he has vowed to block.

Los Angeles Times · Jan 24, 2023

The First Amendment and Sexual Orientation "Conversion Therapy"—Next Stop, the Supreme Court?

From Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain's opinion respecting rehearing en banc released today (and joined by Judges Sandra Ikuta, Ryan Nelson, and Lawrence VanDyke) in Tingley v. Ferguson: Is therapeutic speech speech? Does a tradition of licensing a given profession override all First Amendment limits on licensing requirements? The three-judge panel answered…

Reason · Jan 23, 2023

Senate swears in newest member Pete Ricketts

WASHINGTON — Pete Ricketts had less than three weeks between his old job and his new one a thousand miles away. The former governor of Nebraska was sworn in to the Senate on Monday, raising his right hand as the chamber returned to start the year’s work in earnest.

Tribune News Service · Jan 23, 2023