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Climate takes center stage in sweeping federal infrastructure plan
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats this week unveiled plans to spend $760 billion over five years on infrastructure upgrades throughout the country. A central theme throughout their plan: combating climate change. The framework unveiled by Democrats on Wednesday prioritizes slashing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector while also boosting resiliency in the face of […]
Va. has 5 U.S. House rookies. Here’s how they spent their first year.
WASHINGTON — Nearly half of Virginia’s U.S. House members are freshmen, hoping this year won’t be their last in Congress. Five of the state’s 11 representatives in the U.S. House are serving their first term, and four of them are expected to face competitive reelection races in November. They’ve all spent their first year in […]
Virginia approved the ERA. Now what’s the holdup?
WASHINGTON — Virginia’s sprint to green-light the Equal Rights Amendment this month was heralded by proponents across the country. Buoyed by new Democratic majorities in both chambers of its General Assembly, Virginia became the 38th state to approve the amendment that would guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex. It marked a watershed moment for […]
Trump impeachment trial gets personal
WASHINGTON — Even before opening arguments were made in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, things got testy. U.S. House Democrats and Trump’s lawyers sparred for hours Tuesday over the parameters for the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, offering a preview of their substantive arguments and setting the tone for […]
U.S. House votes to check Trump on military action against Iran
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Thursday on a resolution to curtail President Donald Trump’s ability to take military action against Iran without first securing congressional approval. The chamber voted 224-194, largely along party lines, to approve the resolution from Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), which would direct Trump to halt the use of U.S. armed […]
Like most of Congress, Va. delegation splits down party lines on impeaching Trump
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted to impeach President Donald Trump Wednesday night, making him the third president to be impeached in U.S. history. Trump was impeached on largely party line votes on charges that he abused power and obstructed Congress. The charges surround allegations that Trump improperly pressured Ukraine’s president to investigate his political […]
New report blames gerrymandering for failed gun-safety bills
WASHINGTON — Most Virginians favor stricter gun laws, although recent efforts to advance gun safety legislation have languished in the state General Assembly. That disconnect has likely been due in part to partisan gerrymandering, according to a report released Tuesday by the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that advocates progressive policies. […]
U.S. House Judiciary Committee votes to impeach Trump; Cline, Va.’s only member, opposes
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump Friday morning along party-lines, setting up a likely vote next week in the full House. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt, the only Virginian on the committee, joined Republicans in opposing the two articles, which charge Trump with abuse of power […]
House moves to impeach; Cline calls it ‘sad day for America’
WASHINGTON — The chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee kicked off a vote on impeachment articles Wednesday night with a plea to his Republican colleagues. “I know you,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.). “I have worked with many of you for years. I consider you to be good and decent public servants.” He spoke […]
Spanberger, Luria say they aren’t part of push to censure Trump
WASHINGTON — Two freshman Virginia lawmakers in swing districts said Tuesday that they’re not among the U.S. House Democrats reportedly considering an effort to censure President Donald Trump rather than impeach him. “I’ve not been involved in any of those conversations, so I have nothing to comment on,” Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Henrico) told the Mercury […]
Republicans don’t budge as Democrats cite ‘overwhelming’ evidence; Cline calls impeachment a ‘stain’ on House
WASHINGTON — Lawyers for U.S. House Democrats laid out their best case for impeaching President Donald Trump on Monday, warning that his behavior continues to pose an “imminent threat” to national security. Democrats are pushing ahead with impeachment proceedings against Trump after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) directed committee leaders to draft formal impeachment articles. […]
U.S. House passes legislation to crack down on voter suppression
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed legislation on Friday that would give the federal government broader authority to police voting rights violations across the country. The bill, a top priority for House Democrats, passed by a vote of 228-187, with just one Republican — Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania — breaking party ranks to vote […]