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Johnson vows to try again after GOP holdouts block action on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget bill
Read full article: Johnson vows to try again after GOP holdouts block action on Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget billHouse Speaker Mike Johnson is vowing to try again to pass the Republican budget framework after abruptly postponing Wednesday night's vote.
Republican-led House passes bill to limit nationwide orders from federal district judges
Read full article: Republican-led House passes bill to limit nationwide orders from federal district judgesThe House has passed a bill that limits the authority of federal district judges to issue nationwide orders.
House GOP holdouts threaten Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget and tax cut bill as votes are postponed
Read full article: House GOP holdouts threaten Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ budget and tax cut bill as votes are postponedHouse Republicans have abruptly postponed a late evening vote on their budget framework as grave misgivings from conservative GOP lawmakers threw it in flux.
Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John Cornyn
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John CornynThe attorney general positions himself as a disruptor against the Republican establishment embodied in the longtime Senate fixture.
State Supreme Courts have become an electoral battleground. But some states choose a different path
Read full article: State Supreme Courts have become an electoral battleground. But some states choose a different pathThe recent election that determined control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court saw millions of dollars flooding in from billionaires, featured attack ads and drew national political attention.
Takeaways from the Senate budget vote: Tariff pressure, debt worries and signs of GOP unease
Read full article: Takeaways from the Senate budget vote: Tariff pressure, debt worries and signs of GOP uneaseThe political battle lines are drawn for a debate in Washington and beyond over a Republican budget plan that’s a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda.
Trump administration fires staff of program that helps low-income households pay for heat
Read full article: Trump administration fires staff of program that helps low-income households pay for heatThe Trump administration has laid off the entire staff of a $4.1 billion program that helps low-income households nationwide pay for heat.
Ken Paxton’s legal woes are lifting, clearing a path for a likely Senate run
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s legal woes are lifting, clearing a path for a likely Senate runThe federal criminal investigation into corruption allegations was the most serious inquiry Paxton faced. Its end nearly clears his slate of numerous legal battles.
Georgia Democrats' frustration with anti-transgender bills boils over into a walkout
Read full article: Georgia Democrats' frustration with anti-transgender bills boils over into a walkoutBoxed into a vote on outlawing spending on gender affirming care for transgender prisoners, Georgia Democrats chose a third option Wednesday.
Senate rebukes Trump’s tariffs as some Republicans vote to halt taxes on Canadian imports
Read full article: Senate rebukes Trump’s tariffs as some Republicans vote to halt taxes on Canadian importsThe Senate has passed a resolution that would thwart President Donald Trump’s ability to impose tariffs on Canada.
Wisconsin Supreme Court to tackle abortion, unions and redistricting after a liberal's win
Read full article: Wisconsin Supreme Court to tackle abortion, unions and redistricting after a liberal's winSusan Crawford’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election victory over a conservative candidate backed by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk cements a liberal majority on the state’s top court for at least three more years.
More Republicans want the US to focus on ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, a new AP-NORC poll finds
Read full article: More Republicans want the US to focus on ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, a new AP-NORC poll findsA new AP-NORC poll finds that while most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the conflict is not weighing as heavily on his public perception as it did on President Joe Biden.
Cornyn wins over Texas GOP leadership after being censured and booed for his gun safety bill
Read full article: Cornyn wins over Texas GOP leadership after being censured and booed for his gun safety billThe senator’s embrace of the state party chair could neutralize a potential threat as Cornyn faces a challenging primary terrain.
The key places to watch in Tuesday's elections in Wisconsin and Florida
Read full article: The key places to watch in Tuesday's elections in Wisconsin and FloridaA handful of elections in Florida and Wisconsin have become key tests of President Donald Trump’s political standing just over two months into his second term in the White House.
Justice Department instructed to dismiss legal challenge to Georgia election law
Read full article: Justice Department instructed to dismiss legal challenge to Georgia election lawU.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed the Justice Department to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a sweeping 2021 election law in Georgia.
New Jersey's GOP primary for governor could pivot on Trump, a part-time resident
Read full article: New Jersey's GOP primary for governor could pivot on Trump, a part-time residentThe most important Republican in New Jersey’s race for governor this year might well be a part-time resident who burnished his reputation and his brand near the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
No timetable from Texas governor on filling late Democratic congressman's vacant seat
Read full article: No timetable from Texas governor on filling late Democratic congressman's vacant seatThe race to fill a Texas congressional seat has candidates but no election date more than three weeks after Rep. Sylvester Turner’s death left a vacancy in a stronghold for Democrats, who are eager to cut into Republicans’ narrow U.S. House majority.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear displays his colors in veto fights with Republican lawmakers
Read full article: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear displays his colors in veto fights with Republican lawmakersKentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear knew his odds of success were stacked against him when he vetoed GOP bills dealing with abortion, Medicaid and diversity initiatives.
Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal money
Read full article: Texas officials’ claim that school funding is at an all-time high ignores inflation and temporary federal moneyA Tribune analysis also found the state’s share of the funds that schools receive per student significantly decreased in the last decade until recently.
Democrats outraged at Trump's changes pour millions of dollars into 2 special elections in Florida
Read full article: Democrats outraged at Trump's changes pour millions of dollars into 2 special elections in FloridaDemocrats with few electoral outlets for their outrage at President Donald Trump’s dramatic restructuring of the federal government are pouring millions of dollars into two special elections in Florida.
Trump withdraws Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN ambassador, citing tight GOP House margin
Read full article: Trump withdraws Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN ambassador, citing tight GOP House marginThe White House has pulled Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Corporate capital Delaware is changing its law in fight pitting corporate insiders vs. investors
Read full article: Corporate capital Delaware is changing its law in fight pitting corporate insiders vs. investorsDelaware lawmakers are putting aside protests from big investors and approving fast-tracked legislation that backers say will protect its status as the world's corporate capital.
A new Trump portrait for Colorado's Capitol could take time after one he disliked was removed
Read full article: A new Trump portrait for Colorado's Capitol could take time after one he disliked was removedFilling an empty space on the wall of presidential portraits in the Colorado Capitol with a new painting of Donald Trump could take time after one he disliked was taken down.
The year's first major political test in Wisconsin becomes a referendum on Elon Musk
Read full article: The year's first major political test in Wisconsin becomes a referendum on Elon MuskThe election to fill a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat is quickly becoming a referendum on the Trump administration and a test of enthusiasm on both sides.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Pennsylvania's state legislative special elections
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Pennsylvania's state legislative special electionsVoters in two Pennsylvania state legislative districts will elect new members in special elections Tuesday.
Utah Rep. Maloy offers tepid criticism of some White House spending cuts at town hall
Read full article: Utah Rep. Maloy offers tepid criticism of some White House spending cuts at town hallRepublican U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy says the country risks drifting toward authoritarianism if the executive branch isn't brought under control.
Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department while keeping some core functions
Read full article: Trump orders a plan to dismantle the Education Department while keeping some core functionsPresident Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the Education Department.
Republican-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate resurfaces unproven fraud concerns
Read full article: Republican-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate resurfaces unproven fraud concernsThe Republican-backed candidate in Wisconsin’s closely watched state Supreme Court race has resurfaced long debunked concerns about voting fraud because of the late reporting of ballots in Milwaukee.
Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours
Read full article: Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hoursIf the proposal becomes law, Texas would follow in the footsteps of several Democrat- and Republican-led states that have enacted similar bans.
Angst pervades a pair of Republican town halls — one in Trump country, the other in a swing state
Read full article: Angst pervades a pair of Republican town halls — one in Trump country, the other in a swing stateIn two congressional districts and vastly different political environments, two Republicans were met with far different reactions at public meetings they held late last week.
Texas Republicans seek to clarify when doctors can intervene under abortion bans
Read full article: Texas Republicans seek to clarify when doctors can intervene under abortion bansA Senate bill filed Friday does not expand abortion access, but aims to give doctors clarity while operating under laws that come with up to life in prison.
Republican legislation seeks to ban Chinese nationals from studying in the US
Read full article: Republican legislation seeks to ban Chinese nationals from studying in the USA group of House Republicans has put forward legislation seeking to prevent Chinese students from studying in American schools, citing national security concerns.
The Latest: Senate passes 6-month funding bill, sending measure to Trump’s desk
Read full article: The Latest: Senate passes 6-month funding bill, sending measure to Trump’s deskThe Senate passed a six-month spending bill on Friday, hours before a government shutdown, overcoming sharp Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.
After bitter defeats last year, Ohio Democrats are biding time as GOP moves full swing into 2026
Read full article: After bitter defeats last year, Ohio Democrats are biding time as GOP moves full swing into 2026The first television ads dropped this week in an Ohio governor’s race that’s still more than a year away.
Columbia University says it expelled some students who seized building last year
Read full article: Columbia University says it expelled some students who seized building last yearColumbia University says it has expelled or suspended some students who took over a campus building during pro-Palestinian protests last spring and temporarily revoked the diplomas of some students who have since graduated.
'In DOGE we trust': House GOP governs by embracing Trump's effort to cut government
Read full article: 'In DOGE we trust': House GOP governs by embracing Trump's effort to cut governmentHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has accomplished the seemingly unexpected, keeping his Republican majority in line to fund the government.
South Carolina House Republicans fight with each other over the budget
Read full article: South Carolina House Republicans fight with each other over the budgetAt least three-quarters of South Carolina’s House members approved the more than 100 sections of the state’s $14 billion spending plan this week.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Read full article: Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticismAlthough the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
Some Republican lawmakers have concerns about Elon Musk and DOGE. Here's what they've said
Read full article: Some Republican lawmakers have concerns about Elon Musk and DOGE. Here's what they've saidRepublicans, particularly those in Congress, have been overwhelmingly supportive of broad cuts across the federal government at the hands of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Supreme Court rejects Republican-led effort to halt climate change lawsuits in Democratic-led states
Read full article: Supreme Court rejects Republican-led effort to halt climate change lawsuits in Democratic-led statesThe Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change suits against the oil and gas industry from Democratic-led states.
House GOP campaign chairman says voters will 'reward us' for the Trump-Musk DOGE cuts
Read full article: House GOP campaign chairman says voters will 'reward us' for the Trump-Musk DOGE cutsThe chairman of the House Republican campaign committee is already predicting his party will pick up seats in the midterm election that are some 20 months away.
House Republicans unveil bill to avoid shutdown and they're daring Democrats to oppose it
Read full article: House Republicans unveil bill to avoid shutdown and they're daring Democrats to oppose itHouse Republicans have unveiled a 99-page spending bill that would keep federal agencies funded through Sept. 30.
Texas’ DOGE committee takes inspiration from Elon Musk’s federal operation
Read full article: Texas’ DOGE committee takes inspiration from Elon Musk’s federal operationThe new legislative panel has been tasked to reduce the size and scope of government. But Democrats say they’re not interested in replicating Musk’s slash-and-burn approach.
Republicans target 4 'sanctuary' cities as Trump pushes mass deportations
Read full article: Republicans target 4 'sanctuary' cities as Trump pushes mass deportationsRepublicans in Congress are taking aim at four cities over their policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement under Preident Donald Trump's administation.
Bill to ban trans athletes from girls' and women's sports teams fails to advance in Senate
Read full article: Bill to ban trans athletes from girls' and women's sports teams fails to advance in SenateThe Senate has rejected legislation aiming to bar transgender women and girls from participating in school athletic competitions designated for female athletes.
Bills introduced a year after state’s largest blaze seek to limit wildfires
Read full article: Bills introduced a year after state’s largest blaze seek to limit wildfiresAmong the proposals is a bill that would force more inspections of power lines, which a committee concluded ignited a blaze that burned more than 1 million acres last year.
What's next for Trump agenda after House GOP approves tax breaks and slashed spending in budget
Read full article: What's next for Trump agenda after House GOP approves tax breaks and slashed spending in budgetNow that House Republicans have passed an ambitious budget blueprint for President Donald Trump’s agenda, it is time for hard work.
Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdle
Read full article: Another $500M for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina passes key hurdleAnother $500 million would be spent toward Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina in legislation approved unanimously by the state House.
House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agenda
Read full article: House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agendaHouse Republicans have muscled their budget blueprint to passage, with a push from President Donald Trump.
Michigan state lawmaker beats out loyal Trump ally charged in fake elector case for GOP party chair
Read full article: Michigan state lawmaker beats out loyal Trump ally charged in fake elector case for GOP party chairMichigan Republicans have elected a state lawmaker to lead the GOP into the 2026 midterms, State Sen. Jim Runestad whipped enough delegates Saturday after two rounds of voting to beat out the other two candidates, including Meshawn Maddock, a loyal ally to President Donald Trump who is charged with being a fake elector for Trump in the 2020 election.
Democrats channel their outrage over DOGE, Ukraine and more in marathon Senate session
Read full article: Democrats channel their outrage over DOGE, Ukraine and more in marathon Senate sessionThe budget resolution from Republicans was on the agenda in the Senate, but the nearly all-night debate encompassed so much more.
IRS layoffs could hurt revenue collection and foil efforts to go after rich tax dodgers, experts say
Read full article: IRS layoffs could hurt revenue collection and foil efforts to go after rich tax dodgers, experts sayExperts say the layoffs of roughly 7,000 IRS probationary workers likely mean the end of the agency’s plans to go after high-wealth tax dodgers and could spell disaster for revenue collections.
Florida is rushing to enforce new immigration laws. Here's what to know
Read full article: Florida is rushing to enforce new immigration laws. Here's what to knowAn architect of a controversial bid to fly migrants from Texas to a Massachusetts resort town in 2022 has been named to guide Florida's new state board of immigration enforcement.
Including people without legal status in census has had little impact on House seats, study finds
Read full article: Including people without legal status in census has had little impact on House seats, study findsRepublicans are trying to exclude people who are in the U.S. illegally from the numbers used to portion out congressional seats among the states.
As DOGE hammers away at the US government, Republicans stir with quiet objections
Read full article: As DOGE hammers away at the US government, Republicans stir with quiet objectionsWhile Democrats have been speaking out against President Donald Trump's federal cuts, Republicans are just beginning to stir.
Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamic
Read full article: Burrows, Patrick and Abbott: Texas’ “Big Three” have big plans and a wary new dynamicThe aggressive Republican agenda’s success depends on how well the three leaders harmonize their tactics and goals for the legislative session.
Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcement
Read full article: Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcementFor years, Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have railed against the IRS and its cadre of armed agents.
Senate Republicans vow action to boost border funds after briefing with Trump officials
Read full article: Senate Republicans vow action to boost border funds after briefing with Trump officialsSenate Republicans are vowing to move quickly on a budget plan that could pave the way for about $340 billion in additional border security and defense spending.
As Texas gets redder, John Cornyn could face toughest primary season of his career
Read full article: As Texas gets redder, John Cornyn could face toughest primary season of his careerAttorney General Ken Paxton, who has hinted at a possible run, has more support than the four-term senator among Republicans, polling shows.
House Republicans mull taxes on scholarships and changes to student loan programs
Read full article: House Republicans mull taxes on scholarships and changes to student loan programsAs Republicans in Congress look for ways to slash spending, some legislators are floating new taxes on college scholarships, an end to student loan repayment plans and a big hike in taxes on university endowments.
Spending bill talks bog down after Trump's efforts to slash government
Read full article: Spending bill talks bog down after Trump's efforts to slash governmentTalks on a spending bill for the current budget year have bogged down in the wake of President Donald Trump’s efforts to slash federal spending and its workforce.
GOP state attorneys general campaign group brings back leader who resigned in aftermath of Jan. 6
Read full article: GOP state attorneys general campaign group brings back leader who resigned in aftermath of Jan. 6A group that dedicated to electing Republicans to state attorney general positions has brought back a former executive director who resigned in the aftermath of Jan. 6.
Wisconsin Supreme Court says swing state’s embattled elections chief can remain in post
Read full article: Wisconsin Supreme Court says swing state’s embattled elections chief can remain in postA unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that the swing state’s nonpartisan top elections official can remain in her post despite not being reappointed and confirmed by the state Senate.
Senate confirms Project 2025 architect Russell Vought to lead powerful White House budget office
Read full article: Senate confirms Project 2025 architect Russell Vought to lead powerful White House budget officeThe Senate has confirmed Russell Vought, President Donald Trump’s nominee for White House budget director.
The Latest: Judge temporarily blocks Trump plan offering incentives for federal workers to resign
Read full article: The Latest: Judge temporarily blocks Trump plan offering incentives for federal workers to resignA federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to push out federal employees by offering them financial incentives.
California Assembly approves $50M to defend immigrants and protect state policies from Trump plans
Read full article: California Assembly approves $50M to defend immigrants and protect state policies from Trump plansCalifornia’s Democratic-dominated Assembly has endorsed up to $50 million in funding to defend the state’s progressive policies against challenges by the Trump administration.
Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow preparing to enter US Senate race in Michigan, AP sources say
Read full article: Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow preparing to enter US Senate race in Michigan, AP sources sayMichigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow is preparing to announce a Democratic bid for an open U.S. Senate seat in the state.
USAID website goes offline in Trump administration's 2-week-old freeze on foreign aid worldwide
Read full article: USAID website goes offline in Trump administration's 2-week-old freeze on foreign aid worldwideUSAID’s website has dropped offline without explanation in the Trump administration's two-week-old funding freeze of U.S. foreign aid and development funding.
Texans split on immigration amid Trump’s policy push, survey reveals
Read full article: Texans split on immigration amid Trump’s policy push, survey revealsIn January 2025, a University of Houston survey of 1,200 Texans revealed mixed opinions on immigration policies under President Trump's intensified measures.
Conspiracies, espionage, an enemies list: Takeaways from a wild day of confirmation hearings
Read full article: Conspiracies, espionage, an enemies list: Takeaways from a wild day of confirmation hearingsPresident Donald Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees have flooded the zone in back-to-back-to-back confirmation hearings.
US cybersecurity agency's future role in elections remains murky under the Trump administration
Read full article: US cybersecurity agency's future role in elections remains murky under the Trump administrationThe nation’s cybersecurity agency has played a critical role in helping states shore up the defenses of their voting systems, but its election mission appears uncertain amid sustained criticism from Republicans and key figures in the Trump administration.
Deb Haaland made history as Interior secretary. Now she’s running for governor of New Mexico
Read full article: Deb Haaland made history as Interior secretary. Now she’s running for governor of New MexicoFormer Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is running for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico after championing conservation and clean energy during her tenure as Interior secretary under President Joe Biden.
In the early going, Trump 2.0 approach on foreign policy is to talk loudly and carry a big stick
Read full article: In the early going, Trump 2.0 approach on foreign policy is to talk loudly and carry a big stickDonald Trump in his return to the White House has already previewed his second term foreign policy approach: Talk loudly and wield a big stick.
Spanberger and Earle-Sears want to make history in Virginia. But voters have election exhaustion
Read full article: Spanberger and Earle-Sears want to make history in Virginia. But voters have election exhaustionDemocratic former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republican Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are picking up steam in their bids to be Virginia's next governor.
Alaska Sen. Murkowski has faced Trump's wrath. She was willing to defy him after his return to power
Read full article: Alaska Sen. Murkowski has faced Trump's wrath. She was willing to defy him after his return to powerIn the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski had openly challenged or rebuked him at least three times.