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Us Congress

All articles tagged with #us congress

Thune Confirms No Path for Permanent Daylight Saving Time Amid Senate Gridlock
politics7 days ago

Thune Confirms No Path for Permanent Daylight Saving Time Amid Senate Gridlock

Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated on October 5 that there is no clear path forward for legislation to make daylight saving time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House in July but remains stalled in the Senate due to opposition from Republicans like Tom Cotton and Roger Wicker, who cite safety concerns regarding dark winter mornings in northern and rural areas. President Trump previously attempted to pressure Cotton into supporting the bill by publishing his phone number, but the measure faces a geographic deadlock as midterm elections approach.

Gates' AI 'Billion Deaths' Warning Sparks Bipartisan Clash and Industry Criticism
technology-and-policy8 days ago

Gates' AI 'Billion Deaths' Warning Sparks Bipartisan Clash and Industry Criticism

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has intensified his warnings about artificial intelligence, stating on NBC's 'Meet the Press' that AI could contribute to a billion deaths. He argues that industry self-regulation is insufficient and demands mandatory federal legislation. This stance has triggered a sharp political divide, with Democrats urging Congress to act and Republicans dismissing the claims as 'fearmongering' that could lead to regulatory capture. Simultaneously, Gates revealed that Anthropic's Claude Code is the first AI tool to genuinely stun him in decades, marking a pivotal shift in his view of technological capability.

Democrats gain momentum in 2026 midterms as Trump’s approval hits historic low
politics10 days ago

Democrats gain momentum in 2026 midterms as Trump’s approval hits historic low

With one month left until the November 3 US midterm elections, Democrats hold a significant advantage in polling and seat projections, while Republicans rely on massive financial spending to counter President Donald Trump’s record-low approval ratings. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball indicate Democrats are likely to take control of the House of Representatives, with the Senate race becoming increasingly competitive. Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 31 percent, the lowest of his two terms, driven by voter dissatisfaction with the economy and the US-Israel war with Iran. Republicans are pouring over $888 million into advertising, but analysts note that high spending may not overcome the president’s unpopularity among independent voters, who currently favor Democrats by a 57-32 margin. Key Senate races in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan remain tight, while some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump’s controversial policies on immigration and foreign policy to preserve their own viability.

Ocasio-Cortez Weighs 2028 Presidential Bid and Schumer Challenge After Midterms
us-politics20 days ago

Ocasio-Cortez Weighs 2028 Presidential Bid and Schumer Challenge After Midterms

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has declined to rule out challenging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028, though she plans to decide her next move after the upcoming midterm elections. In a wide-ranging interview, she acknowledged the personal and political hurdles of a presidential run, citing her gender and ethnicity as factors in electability. While she remains a leading figure among progressive voters, she faces significant opposition from Republicans and mixed support among likely voters. Her campaign is currently focused on boosting Democratic turnout in New York, with stops scheduled in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca.

Democrats face funding gap as GOP super PACs outspend them in key midterm battlegrounds
politics22 days ago

Democrats face funding gap as GOP super PACs outspend them in key midterm battlegrounds

Democrats are scrambling to raise funds ahead of the November 2026 midterms, fearing that a significant Republican spending advantage could cost them winnable seats. While Democrats believe they have enough resources to flip the House, internal tensions are rising over limited funds for Senate races and competitive House districts. Republicans are outspending Democrats across most battlegrounds, with disparities reaching 8-to-1 in Texas and 14-to-1 in New York. Democratic leaders are pressuring members and donors for more cash, while debating where to allocate limited resources, including potential gambles in rural areas versus defending traditional battlegrounds.

Farm Bill Advances in Senate Amid Tariff and Energy Cost Pressures
economy24 days ago

Farm Bill Advances in Senate Amid Tariff and Energy Cost Pressures

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a new farm bill, marking the closest Congress has come to passing such legislation in nearly eight years. Farmers face rising energy and input costs, while the administration pushes for mandatory country-of-origin labeling on beef to balance domestic rancher concerns with lower consumer prices.

US Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Russia Sanctions, Granting Trump Tariff Power Over China and India
politics26 days ago

US Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Russia Sanctions, Granting Trump Tariff Power Over China and India

The US House passed a major sanctions bill targeting Russia’s energy sector and leadership, granting President Trump authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. The measure, which follows a similar Senate vote, aims to pressure Moscow economically but risks disrupting energy supplies for China and India, two of Russia’s largest customers. While Ukraine welcomes the move, India and China have signaled they will continue purchasing Russian energy, creating potential diplomatic and trade tensions with Washington.

AI self-regulation stalls as Fed hikes rates and House passes Russia sanctions
politics-and-technology26 days ago

AI self-regulation stalls as Fed hikes rates and House passes Russia sanctions

AI executives are calling for industry self-regulation, but critics and lawmakers remain skeptical of their ability to police themselves. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, prompting sharp criticism from President Trump. Meanwhile, the House passed a major sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran before adjourning for the midterm recess.

Congress passes Graham sanctions bill, granting Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on Russian energy buyers
politics26 days ago

Congress passes Graham sanctions bill, granting Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on Russian energy buyers

The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Wednesday, sending it to President Trump for signature. The legislation authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy and mandates sanctions against Russian officials and 'shadow tankers.' It passed the House 262-159 and the Senate 86-11, despite significant opposition from Democrats who argued it grants the president excessive tariff power.

House Speaker Johnson Ends Session Early Amid Impeachment Clash and Midterm Push
politics26 days ago

House Speaker Johnson Ends Session Early Amid Impeachment Clash and Midterm Push

Speaker Mike Johnson recessed the House early ahead of the November midterms, framing the session as a historic success for Republicans. The move followed a contentious floor debate where Rep. Cori Massie attempted to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a move Johnson dismissed as a stunt. Democrats criticized the GOP for inaction on affordability, while Massie used his final days in office to attack the administration’s war policies and legislative overreach.

politics27 days ago

Congress stalls on AI regulation as public fear and partisan divides deepen

A new poll shows nearly two-thirds of Americans fear AI could destroy humanity, yet Congress remains gridlocked on regulation. While Democrats push for immediate pauses or strict vetting, Republicans are split between dismissing the risks as 'hysteria' and supporting moderate safeguards. The House is set to recess for seven weeks, likely delaying the bipartisan FRONTIER Act until 2027.

House Democrats fracture over Graham sanctions bill as vote looms
politics28 days ago

House Democrats fracture over Graham sanctions bill as vote looms

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act is set for a House vote this week, but faces severe Democratic opposition. The bill grants President Trump broad authority to impose 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, a move critics argue could be abused against allies. While Ukraine and pro-sanction advocates urge passage to pressure Moscow, Democratic leaders fear the expanded executive power outweighs the benefits, leading to a high-stakes legislative battle with potential amendments to limit scope.

House Democrats fracture over Graham sanctions bill as floor vote nears

House Democrats fracture over Graham sanctions bill as floor vote nears

House Democrats are split over the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which passed the Senate 86-11 and faces a House floor vote this week. While leadership opposes the bill for expanding presidential tariff authority, several members support it to pressure Russia. The legislation would allow 100% tariffs on top Russian oil importers and extend sanctions on Iran, creating a conflict between opposing Trump’s trade powers and supporting Ukraine.

Congress Stalls on AI Safety Amid Industry Panic and Election Pressure
politics29 days ago

Congress Stalls on AI Safety Amid Industry Panic and Election Pressure

U.S. lawmakers agree AI risks are rising but disagree on how to respond. Speaker Mike Johnson prioritizes industry-led solutions to avoid losing to China, while Democrats demand immediate legislative action. The House is set to recess before November elections, delaying comprehensive regulations despite urgent warnings from tech executives.

Congress weighs phased 32-hour workweek with no pay cut
economy1 month ago

Congress weighs phased 32-hour workweek with no pay cut

A new bill, the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, would gradually lower the federal overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours over four years (38, 36, 34, then 32) without reducing workers’ pay or benefits, seeking to align labor standards with advances in AI and automation; introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Mark Takano, its passage seems unlikely with Republicans in control.