Stories by T. P. Broyles on Federal Newswire


Chairman Cole urges support for Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act amid DHS shutdown

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole urged passage of H.R. 8029 to end an extended DHS shutdown affecting thousands of workers nationwide. The bill seeks comprehensive funding for homeland security operations and employee pay.


House Energy and Commerce Committee advances two bills on public safety and emergency alerts

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has sent two bipartisan bills focused on first responder networks and emergency alerts for consideration by all members of Congress. Lawmakers say these measures aim at improving communication systems during natural disasters.


Senate Democrats continue to block DHS funding as shutdown reaches 40 days

The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for 40 days amid continued disagreements in Congress over border security and immigration enforcement policies. Multiple attempts by House lawmakers to pass full-year DHS funding have failed due to opposition from Senate Democrats. Over 100,000 employees remain unpaid while critical agencies await new appropriations.


House Committee examines Chinese Communist Party threats to small businesses in hearing

The House Committee on Small Business held a hearing focusing on threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party against U.S. small businesses. Lawmakers heard testimony about intellectual property theft methods such as cyberattacks and discussed potential policy responses.


Senator Graham announces plans for second reconciliation bill on March 25

Senator Lindsey Graham announced plans for a new budget reconciliation bill following talks with President Trump. The measure aims to boost funding for national security initiatives including law enforcement, military operations, public safety efforts, and election integrity.


Durbin urges Senate to address immigration reform after Loyola student’s death

Senator Dick Durbin urged colleagues on Mar. 25 for renewed bipartisan immigration reform after an Illinois student's death allegedly involving an undocumented immigrant charged with murder sparked calls for action during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.


House Energy and Commerce Committee considers bills on public safety communications

Chairman Brett Guthrie announced that two bills focused on public safety communications were discussed at a recent House Energy and Commerce Committee markup session. The proposed legislation aims to improve emergency alert systems like FirstNet while also introducing satellite-based alerts through new measures.


Durbin questions court nominee Westercamp on social media posts about January 6 and senators

Senator Dick Durbin questioned Kara Westercamp during her nomination hearing over controversial social media posts about fellow senators and conspiracy theories surrounding January 6th. The exchange raised concerns about her suitability for a lifetime appointment on the Court of International Trade.


Rogers and Cole lead hearing on National Weather Service operations and funding

Chairmen Hal Rogers and Tom Cole held a hearing reviewing operations at NOAA's National Weather Service. Lawmakers discussed agency staffing levels, technology upgrades, emergency warning improvements—and stressed vigilant oversight over federal spending.


Comer continues oversight of U.S. Census Bureau after errors in 2020 census revealed

Chairman James Comer announced continued oversight efforts into errors found during the 2020 U.S. Census count. The House Oversight Committee seeks greater transparency from bureau officials ahead of future censuses.


Grassley releases new Arctic Frost records, raising questions about Jack Smith’s conduct

Senator Chuck Grassley has released new records from the Arctic Frost investigation during a Senate hearing. The documents raise questions about Jack Smith's conduct while highlighting constitutional concerns related to obtaining lawmakers' communication data.


Klobuchar urges administration to approve year-round E15 to address rising fuel costs

Senator Amy Klobuchar urged swift executive action from President Trump’s administration for nationwide access to year-round E15 fuel amid surging gas prices linked with conflict abroad. She emphasized biofuels’ role in reducing consumer costs while supporting American farmers.


Oversight Committee launches investigation into fraud in California hospice programs

The House Oversight Committee is investigating alleged large-scale fraud within California's federally funded hospice programs following reports about insufficient state safeguards against abuse. Lawmakers requested documents from Governor Gavin Newsom after citing significant increases in suspicious billing practices.


Ernst names Hands Jewelers as Small Business of the Week

Hands Jewelers in Iowa City has been named Small Business of the Week by Chair Joni Ernst. The store's long-standing commitment to quality craftsmanship earned it this recognition from the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.


Senate Foreign Relations Committee schedules hearings and briefing for week of March 23

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has outlined several key events for this week including hearings on arms control issues and nominations as well as a classified update on Ukraine. These sessions continue its longstanding role shaping U.S. foreign policy.


House Judiciary Committee reiterates subpoenas to tech firms over EU censorship concerns

Chairman Jim Jordan has asked major technology firms for records of their communications with European officials regarding content moderation. The House Judiciary Committee seeks transparency amid reports of encrypted messaging among EU regulators. The committee emphasizes ongoing compliance with its subpoenas.


Chairman Ezell addresses Coast Guard readiness and modernization challenges in hearing

Chairman Mike Ezell addressed ongoing challenges facing Coast Guard readiness during a recent hearing. He highlighted funding increases, project delays, reporting shortfalls, and upcoming modernization efforts.


House subcommittee examines Medicare and Medicaid fraud in oversight hearing

A congressional subcommittee led by Congressman John Joyce held a hearing on Mar. 17 examining widespread Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The session addressed how these crimes impact vulnerable populations while costing taxpayers billions each year.


House subcommittee examines lessons from Winter Storm Fern on power reliability

A House subcommittee led by Congressman Bob Latta held a hearing examining lessons from Winter Storm Fern regarding electric grid reliability during severe weather events. Lawmakers discussed infrastructure challenges affecting reliable power delivery amid rising demand.


Transportation Committee to consider Dalilah’s Law on commercial driver license requirements

The Transportation Committee is set to review Dalilah's Law, which would tighten CDL requirements in the U.S., focusing on English proficiency and stricter enforcement against unqualified drivers. Supporters say it aims to improve road safety.