Stories by H. B. Edwards on Federal Newswire


House committee chairmen address reports ActBlue may have misled Congress on donation vetting

Chairmen from three House committees released a statement regarding reports that fundraising platform ActBlue may have misled Congress about how it prevents illegal foreign donations. The ongoing investigation has included subpoenas for documents and interviews with key personnel at ActBlue.


House Energy and Commerce Committee announces hearing on semiconductor ecosystem oversight

Chairmen Brett Guthrie and Gus Bilirakis have announced an April 15 public hearing examining vulnerabilities in America's semiconductor supply chain. The session aims to address concerns over economic disruption risks tied to these vital components.


Blumenthal and Takano urge VA Secretary to use authority for higher doctor pay

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Mark Takano urged VA Secretary Doug Collins on April 8 to implement existing authority allowing higher doctor pay amid staffing shortages. Their letter criticizes delays that contributed to clinic closures across three states. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee continues oversight efforts aimed at supporting veterans nationwide.


Senator Merkley criticizes President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal

Senator Jeff Merkley has criticized President Trump's fiscal year 2027 proposed budget after its release April 3. Merkley highlighted concerns over increased defense spending and lack of support for key domestic programs.


Chairman Walberg responds to Department of Labor’s March jobs report

Chairman Tim Walberg responded on Apr. 3 to the latest Department of Labor jobs report. He emphasized ongoing efforts by House Republicans alongside recent job growth figures. The House Education and Workforce Committee continues its role in shaping national labor policies.


Senator Collins responds to President’s budget request for fiscal year 2027

Senator Susan Collins commented on Apr. 3 about President Biden's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. She raised concerns over defense allocations and potential cuts affecting key domestic programs while emphasizing Congressional control over spending decisions.


House Budget Committee hears support for 3% deficit-to-GDP target

Policy experts told Congress that aiming for no more than three percent annual deficits could stabilize U.S. debt levels. The House Budget Committee heard bipartisan support along with warnings about higher borrowing costs linked directly to rising government debt.


Sanders and Wyden urge Senate hearings on health insurance CEOs amid health care concerns

Senators Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden are urging Senate committees to hold hearings with leading U.S. health insurance CEOs amid concerns about rising costs for consumers. Their call highlights growing scrutiny over industry profits versus patient outcomes. The HELP Committee's oversight could shape future healthcare policy.


Senator Cassidy expands investigation into federal child care fraud in several states

Senator Bill Cassidy has expanded his investigation into fraud within federally funded child care programs across several states. High rates of improper payments have been identified in Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, and Georgia compared with Texas’ low rate.


Tom Cole releases statement on President Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget request

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole released a statement addressing President Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. Cole highlighted priorities such as national defense and transparency while outlining ongoing committee actions related to federal spending.


House committee chairmen respond to report on ActBlue’s vetting of foreign donations

House committee chairmen responded after a New York Times report alleged that fundraising platform ActBlue may have misled Congress about its efforts to prevent illegal foreign donations. The committees pledged continued investigation into donor verification practices amid ongoing scrutiny over election security.


Markey marks one year since Trump tariffs, calls for refunds to small businesses

Senator Edward J. Markey marked one year since former President Trump's global import tariffs were enacted. He called attention to their impact on U.S. small businesses despite a Supreme Court ruling striking them down earlier this year. Markey urged immediate refunds for affected companies.


Homeland Security Republicans warn of risks from ongoing DHS funding lapse

House Committee on Homeland Security Republicans raised concerns over an ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding lapse due to blocked appropriations legislation. Members cited workforce hardship as well as increased risk for public safety amid current threats facing America.


Burchett opens roundtable on deleting duplicative federal programs

Chairman Tim Burchett opened a roundtable discussing ways to eliminate duplicative federal programs. The event focused on government spending inefficiencies, fraud risks within welfare systems, and recommendations from oversight experts.


House subcommittee reviews bills to boost American energy production

A House subcommittee examined five new bills intended to boost U.S. energy output through streamlined regulations and expanded leasing options. Chairman Pete Stauber said these steps aim to secure long-term American energy leadership.


House subcommittee reviews bills on Alaska Native rights and water resources

A House subcommittee held a hearing March 26 about new bills affecting Alaska Native ivory sales rights, Montana's rural water systems, and national water research programs. Lawmakers discussed measures supporting tribal autonomy while investing in key infrastructure.


House subcommittee reviews bills to address illicit drug threats in the U.S.

Congressman Morgan Griffith led a hearing reviewing fourteen proposed bills targeting illicit drug threats across America. The measures focus on combating substances like fentanyl while supporting law enforcement efforts amid rising overdose rates.


Subcommittee chairmen deliver opening statements on Arctic security at hearing

Chairmen Carlos Giménez and August Pfluger gave opening statements at a hearing focused on U.S. security interests in the changing Arctic environment. They discussed Russian military expansion, Chinese investment activities, recent Coast Guard funding increases, ongoing challenges with readiness efforts—and called for improved coordination among stakeholders.


Chairman Arrington discusses reconciliation package on FOX News interview

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington appeared on FOX News discussing plans for a second reconciliation package focused on national security issues. He highlighted past uses of reconciliation for major policy changes while emphasizing support for military operations abroad.


Senator Cassidy urges Congress to address challenges in college sports in new op-ed

Senator Bill Cassidy has called for Congressional action on college athletics reform following recent hearings with stakeholders. He warns against classifying student-athletes as employees due to potential negative impacts on smaller programs. The Senate HELP Committee will continue exploring solutions.