Stories by H. B. Edwards on Federal Newswire


Guthrie discusses House resolution on supporting rural communities and economic growth

Chairman Brett Guthrie spoke about H.Res. 1182 highlighting Republican efforts for rural communities. His remarks addressed legislative actions impacting healthcare access and economic growth under consideration by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.


Chairman Rogers urges increased defense investment to deter China and North Korea

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers has called for more U.S. defense spending amid concerns over growing threats from China and North Korea in Asia's Indo-Pacific region. During an April 22 hearing he stressed stronger alliances with regional partners like Japan, South Korea, Australia—and urgent support for Taiwan's defenses.


Durbin criticizes Republicans for focusing on deportation funding over affordability crisis

Senator Dick Durbin criticized Republican lawmakers for focusing on immigration enforcement funding instead of tackling rising costs affecting American families. He highlighted growing economic inequality under current policies while urging Congress toward reforms benefiting ordinary citizens.


Heinrich questions DOE Secretary Wright on energy project cancellations and rising costs

Senator Martin Heinrich pressed Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright over canceled clean energy projects and budget cuts during an April hearing. Heinrich accused DOE leadership of making politically motivated decisions impacting American families' energy costs.


Durbin responds to Justice Department indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center

Senator Dick Durbin issued a statement after the Justice Department indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center for alleged financial crimes. Durbin criticized what he called politically motivated actions against civil rights organizations. The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its legislative oversight role in such matters.


Senate passes bipartisan bill for nationwide background checks on child care workers

The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation ensuring national background checks for all child care workers—including independent contractors—in an effort led by Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin. The move aims at closing gaps left by previous laws regarding vetting procedures.


House subcommittee schedules hearing on food regulation and safety legislation for April 29

House leaders have announced an upcoming hearing focused on legislative proposals for regulating food safety. Lawmakers will consider over twenty bills addressing product review processes and labeling standards. The session highlights ongoing efforts by Congress to tackle chronic disease through better FDA oversight.


House Energy and Commerce Committee announces hearing on AI and electric grid reliability

Chairmen Brett Guthrie and Bob Latta have announced an upcoming congressional hearing focused on how artificial intelligence affects U.S. electric grid demands while protecting consumers from rising costs. Lawmakers plan to discuss several bills aimed at strengthening grid reliability during this public session.


Senator Collins urges Commerce Secretary to work with Maine lobster industry on regulations

Senator Susan Collins called on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to work closely with Maine's lobster industry regarding upcoming NOAA regulations. The discussion also addressed technology options beyond costly ropeless gear and concerns over eliminating economic development support for rural areas.


House Committee examines gig economy's impact on entrepreneurship in hearing

The House Committee on Small Business discussed how the gig economy affects American entrepreneurship during an Apr. 21 hearing. Lawmakers heard testimony about flexible work models enabling growth for small businesses through digital platforms.


Durbin criticizes Senate Republicans for holding hearing on 2020 election claims

Senator Dick Durbin criticized Senate Republicans during a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing focused on claims surrounding the 2020 presidential election results. Instead of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith testifying about attempts to overturn those results, former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark appeared before lawmakers.


House subcommittee discusses updates to satellite regulations and industry growth

Congressman Richard Hudson led a hearing discussing updates needed for U.S. satellite regulations amid industry growth. The session addressed new legislative efforts aimed at streamlining licensing processes for space-based communication services.


Walberg urges support for workforce modernization bill at committee markup

Chairman Tim Walberg called for support of a new bill aimed at modernizing America’s workforce development system during a committee markup on Apr. 21. The proposed legislation seeks greater state flexibility while focusing on better outcomes for both workers and employers.


Senator Risch thanks Senate Foreign Relations Committee spring 2026 interns

Senator Jim Risch thanked spring term interns serving with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their contributions amid global challenges. The announcement highlighted each intern's background and experience gained during their service.


Chairman Comer addresses lawfare and its impact on American agriculture at committee roundtable

Chairman James Comer addressed how legal actions are affecting farmers at a House Oversight Committee roundtable held Apr. 21. He cited specific cases where families faced litigation or penalties due to government actions or reinterpretations of regulations.


Durbin raises concerns over immigration detention conditions and deaths under Trump administration

Senator Dick Durbin spoke on Apr. 21 about rising deaths and harsh conditions at U.S. immigration detention centers under President Trump's administration. He cited new research showing record-high fatalities in custody this year alongside personal stories from detainees' families at facilities like Dilley.


Senator Collins questions HHS Secretary Kennedy on women’s health research and funding caps

Senator Susan Collins questioned HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about declining NIH support for women’s health studies during an appropriations hearing April 21. The exchange also covered proposed caps on indirect costs for biomedical research grants amid concerns over U.S competitiveness.


Senate passes bill to expand nationwide background checks for child care workers

The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation expanding access to national background checks for all child care workers—including school contractors—following concerns about gaps created by previous law changes. Senators Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley highlighted broad support as they urged quick approval by the House.


Durbin calls for FBI Director Kash Patel’s replacement after new revelations

Senator Dick Durbin called for replacing FBI Director Kash Patel after reports questioned his conduct during office. Citing concerns over national security risks tied with alleged absenteeism and management issues under Patel's tenure, Durbin pressed for immediate action.


House Small Business Committee to hold hearing on gig economy and entrepreneurship

The House Committee on Small Business will hold a public hearing focused on the gig economy's impact on entrepreneurship. Scheduled for April 21 in Washington D.C., witnesses from several industries are set to testify.