Stories by T. P. Broyles on Federal Newswire


House subcommittee reviews bills to improve accountability in veterans' benefits administration

Rep. Morgan Luttrell led a House subcommittee markup session reviewing seven proposed bills aimed at improving accountability in veterans' benefits administration. The discussion focused on reforms affecting VA services, survivor benefits, and burial reimbursements.


House Judiciary Committee releases report on medical residency hiring monopoly

The House Judiciary Committee released an interim staff report alleging monopolistic practices within the medical residency placement system known as 'the Match.' The committee says these practices harm both doctors entering residencies and patients seeking care.


Senator Cassidy raises concerns over Minnesota health data breach and state response

Senator Bill Cassidy raised concerns about a major data breach at Minnesota's Department of Human Services affecting over 300,000 people. His letter calls into question state actions taken after sensitive personal information was exposed during a cybersecurity incident.


Grothman opens roundtable on examining mental health in the MAHA age

Chairman Glenn Grothman opened a congressional roundtable discussing why U.S. mental health outcomes are worsening despite increased treatment access and spending. The session examined rising diagnoses among youth, economic impacts, and called for greater accountability within the current system.


Subcommittee on Federal Lands holds hearing on bills for forest management and recreation access

The Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing March 26 about four new bills focused on battlefield preservation, forest management partnerships, improved road access for motorized recreationists, and highway safety in national parks. Lawmakers say these proposals aim to protect history while supporting community collaboration.


VA announces new steps to help Veterans access expanded G.I. Bill benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced new procedures after recent court rulings expanded eligibility for G.I. Bill education benefits among U.S veterans. Millions may now qualify for additional support through automatic reviews and updated systems.


Heinrich questions experts on expanding power grid and efficient data center energy use

Senator Martin Heinrich led a Senate hearing questioning experts about expanding U.S. power grid capacity and improving efficiency in powering data centers without raising consumer costs. Panelists discussed regulatory hurdles, technological solutions like high voltage direct current lines, and strategies for incentivizing utility companies.


Blumenthal introduces bill to expand GI Bill transferability for veterans and families

Senator Richard Blumenthal has introduced legislation aimed at making it easier for long-serving veterans and servicemembers to transfer GI Bill education benefits. The bill seeks changes so transfers can occur both during active duty or after retirement—addressing gaps that currently prevent some from sharing these entitlements with family members.


Senators introduce Child Predators Accountability Act to address legal loophole

Senators have introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring stronger prosecution against those involved in producing sexually explicit content with minors—even if victims are passive participants. The proposal addresses gaps highlighted by recent court decisions.


Chairman Arrington discusses deficit-to-GDP framework and reconciliation package on CNBC

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington discussed efforts toward fiscal sustainability during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box. Topics included reducing annual deficits relative to GDP and targeting government waste through new legislative packages.


Durbin issues statement on Senate funding for DHS excluding ICE

Senator Dick Durbin commented on new legislation funding parts of Homeland Security but excluding ICE. The move supports TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard while pushing for reforms at ICE amid ongoing debates in Congress.


Chairman Thompson praises Trump’s actions to support American agriculture at White House event

President Donald J. Trump announced new measures at a White House event aimed at helping U.S. farmers. Chairman Glenn Thompson praised these actions as vital steps toward stability for American agriculture. The announcement highlights ongoing efforts by Congress and administration officials.


Senate Democrats call for automatic tariff refunds for small businesses and families

Senator Edward J. Markey led Senate Democrats in urging Customs officials for automatic tariff tax refunds without extra steps for small businesses or families after recent court rulings against Trump-era levies. Lawmakers argue current plans are too complex given existing agency records.


Mackenzie holds hearing on strengthening federal workers’ compensation programs

Chairman Ryan Mackenzie led a hearing examining ways to improve federal workers' compensation programs for injured employees. Lawmakers discussed bipartisan bills aimed at reducing barriers for care while considering new technologies for greater efficiency.


Grothman announces roundtable on mental health scheduled for March 26

Chairman Glenn Grothman has announced a congressional roundtable focused on mental health policy for March 26. The session will examine spending effectiveness and concerns about overdiagnosis and medication use among youth.


Grassley opens Judiciary Committee meeting on xylazine bill, legislation and nominations

Senator Chuck Grassley led a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting focused on new drug control legislation targeting illicit xylazine use along with other bills and nominations. The session featured bipartisan cooperation on clarifying legislative language while emphasizing transparency between federal agencies.


Chairman Arrington outlines fiscal balance plan in Dallas Morning News op-ed

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington has proposed reducing U.S. deficits to 3% of GDP by 2036 in an op-ed published March 26. His plan calls for spending discipline and policy reforms as part of efforts led by the committee.


Subcommittee discusses affordability and reforms in VA Home Loan program for veterans

Rep. Derrick Van Orden led an oversight hearing focused on making housing more affordable for veterans through reforms in the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan program. He highlighted new legislation aimed at reducing red tape and protecting benefits for servicemembers' families.


House committee questions Columbia University on compliance with anti-discrimination laws

Chairman Brett Guthrie has sent a letter questioning Columbia University's compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws after recent allegations regarding protection against antisemitism. The House Energy and Commerce Committee seeks detailed reporting from the university amid ongoing investigations into civil rights law adherence at federally funded institutions.


Senate Democrats hold forum on climate change impact on household costs for families

Senators Whitehouse and Schumer led a forum discussing how climate change raises household expenses like insurance premiums and grocery prices. Experts testified about increasing annual costs tied directly to environmental changes affecting health care or food production. The session underscored ongoing legislative efforts addressing national affordability challenges.