Stories by H. B. Edwards on Federal Newswire


Chairman Risch delivers opening statement at nominations hearing for five Trump nominees

Senator Jim Risch gave opening remarks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on President Trump's nominees for key diplomatic posts. The session focused on roles involving Cyprus relations, arms sales oversight, United Nations representation, nuclear agency leadership, and cyber policy.


Senate passes measure allowing mining near Boundary Waters, Heinrich voices strong opposition

Senator Martin Heinrich criticized Senate approval allowing copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Apr. 16. He warned about environmental risks and called it damaging for both Minnesota's identity and national values.


Merkley delivers statement at Senate hearing on President’s 2027 budget request

Senator Jeff Merkley delivered an opening statement at a Senate Budget Committee hearing on April 16 regarding the President's fiscal year 2027 budget request. Merkley criticized several aspects of both process and policy within the proposal while calling for renewed Congressional oversight.


VA announces $16 million in grants for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs is making $16 million available in grants for organizations supporting adaptive sports for disabled veterans. The program aims to improve quality of life through recreational activities like archery and cycling. Applications are open until May 13.


VA deploys new electronic health record system at four Michigan hospitals

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched its new electronic health record system at four hospitals in Michigan after a previous pause. This marks the beginning of several planned deployments aimed at improving healthcare efficiency for veterans.


Senate committee examines Great Lakes restoration and considers reauthorization of GLRI program

Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a Senate hearing reviewing progress on restoring America's Great Lakes region. Lawmakers discussed reauthorizing key federal programs aimed at protecting water quality while stakeholders shared recommendations for future improvements.


Durbin criticizes Republicans for blocking bipartisan funding deal for Department of Homeland Security

Senator Dick Durbin criticized congressional Republicans on April 15 for blocking bipartisan DHS funding legislation amid an ongoing partial government shutdown. He urged renewed discussions on comprehensive immigration reform while highlighting repeated attempts by Democrats in Congress.


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.