Stories by T. P. Broyles on Federal Newswire


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.


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.