Stories by H. B. Edwards on Federal Newswire


House Energy and Commerce Committee receives support for permitting reform bills

Chairman Brett Guthrie announced strong industry backing for three major permitting reform bills up for House votes this week. Industry leaders argue updated regulations will help economic growth while preserving environmental protections.


House Oversight Committee to hold roundtable on lawfare affecting American agriculture

Chairman James Comer announced a congressional roundtable focused on how litigation is impacting U.S. agriculture policy. Farmers, legal experts, and advocacy leaders will discuss regulatory burdens faced by producers as a result of court actions.


Chairman Bost addresses VA disability claims backlog reduction at oversight hearing

Chairman Mike Bost led an oversight hearing discussing major reductions in VA disability claims backlogs under Secretary Collins' leadership. The session addressed policy changes aimed at delivering faster benefit decisions for veterans while maintaining quality standards.


Senate Aging Committee chair Rick Scott announces new financial education guide for seniors

Senator Rick Scott announced a new bipartisan guide aimed at helping seniors manage their finances safely during retirement planning. The announcement was made during a Senate Aging Committee hearing focused on protecting older Americans from fraud through education initiatives.


Chairman Rick Scott announces new financial literacy guide for seniors at Senate hearing

Chairman Rick Scott has announced a new financial literacy guide aimed at helping seniors make informed decisions about retirement finances while guarding against scams. The initiative was unveiled during a recent Senate Aging Committee hearing focused on protecting older Americans from fraud.


Senator Cassidy hosts roundtable on child literacy and dyslexia support with parents

Senator Bill Cassidy led a roundtable discussion on Apr. 15 about improving support for students with dyslexia. Parents shared their experiences navigating school systems while Cassidy highlighted his proposed legislation aimed at better diagnosis access.


Chairman Capito questions witnesses on Great Lakes restoration efforts and collaboration

Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a hearing examining partnerships behind Great Lakes restoration efforts. Witnesses described collaboration among government agencies and universities while highlighting opportunities for improved coordination.


Senate HELP Committee schedules hearing with Secretary Kennedy on HHS budget proposal

The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. The committee plays an important role in shaping national policy on health, education, and labor.


Chairman Risch delivers opening statement at Senate hearing on UN reform efforts

Senator Jim Risch opened a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing addressing recent reforms at the United Nations. His remarks focused on American contributions, perceived inefficiencies at the UN, past actions taken by previous administrations regarding membership in certain organizations.


Grassley urges reauthorization of FISA Section 702 ahead of expiration deadline

Senator Chuck Grassley called on Congress to renew Section 702 of FISA before its expiration date. He highlighted recent reforms improving transparency while emphasizing continued strong oversight responsibilities.


Senate Aging Committee to hold hearing on financial literacy for older Americans April 15

Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand will lead a Senate Aging Committee hearing focused on empowering older adults through financial literacy on April 15. The session addresses tools for preventing fraud targeting seniors as part of broader committee efforts against elder exploitation.


Senate Aging Committee to hold hearing on financial literacy for seniors April 15

Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand will lead a Senate Aging Committee hearing on April 15 focused on empowering seniors through financial literacy. The session aims to address retirement security concerns while combating scams targeting older adults.


Durbin criticizes Trump administration efforts to restrict mail-in voting and ballot access

Senator Dick Durbin criticized recent moves by President Trump targeting mail-in voting and ballot access during remarks on April 14. Citing low rates of noncitizen voting fraud and problems with proposed federal verification systems, Durbin warned against unnecessary restrictions on voters' rights.


Senate Republicans block resolution honoring former FBI Director Robert Mueller

Senator Dick Durbin's effort on April 14 to honor former FBI Director Robert Muller was blocked by Senate Republicans following objections centered around Muller's legacy. The event reflects ongoing partisan tensions regarding Muller's work investigating Russian interference.


House committee chairmen demand ActBlue comply with subpoenas in ongoing investigation

House committee leaders have called on ActBlue's CEO Regina Wallace-Jones to provide all documents requested under past subpoenas amid an ongoing investigation into donor verification practices. The move follows allegations that ActBlue misled Congress about screening for foreign donations.


Grassley calls for clean FISA extension after DOJ agrees to oversight reforms

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley supports an extension of Section 702 after new Department of Justice reforms restore full congressional oversight over surveillance courts. Recent changes address previous concerns about transparency while maintaining key national security authorities.


House subcommittee to examine AI’s economic impact on workers and employers April 15

A House subcommittee led by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie will hold a hearing April 15 examining how artificial intelligence affects workers and employers. Witnesses from various organizations are set to testify before lawmakers consider future policies.


Chairman Garbarino and Rep. Fong lead cyber roundtable with CISA in Central Valley

Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino and Rep. Vince Fong hosted a cybersecurity roundtable in California's Central Valley alongside CISA officials last Friday. Discussions focused on addressing evolving cyber threats facing key infrastructure sectors through enhanced coordination between federal agencies/local partners.


Ernst’s reforms to SBIR-STTR programs are signed into law

Senator Joni Ernst announced that President Trump has signed major reforms into law updating SBIR-STTR programs. The changes prioritize small businesses in federal innovation funding while aiming for greater accountability and protection against foreign influence.


Ernst names Port Neal Welding Company as Small Business of the Week

Port Neal Welding Company has been recognized by Chair Joni Ernst as Small Business of the Week. The company was praised for over three decades of service in Iowa communities.