Congress
This Congress Has Made More Progress on Early Gun Bills Than Any Other in the Last 10 Years
In the wake of a week of racist, terroristic mass shootings, here's a look at the status of the new firearms bills introduced at the beginning of the year.
Trump's Controversial Tweets Are Nothing New for Baltimore
President Donald Trump's use of the the word "infest" in tweets to an African-American congressman to describe a majority-black city is part of a larger pattern.
Nancy Pelosi May Not Deserve Blame for Democrats Not Impeaching Donald Trump
Impeachment may well be the right course, but the speaker might not have the votes for a resolution to pass in the House.
Will Congress Approve New Humanitarian Standards for Immigrant Detention Facilities?
The House voted to pass legislation to ensure that migrants have access to water, food, and medical services. But the bill will likely face opposition in the Senate.
Republican Leaders Aim to Make Conservation Conservative Again
A new Republican caucus will tackle conservation and climate change. Is the GOP changing its tune or merely paying lip service to environmental issues?
The President Didn't Always Have Power Over Trade Deals
Until the 1930s, it was Congress that set the terms of U.S. trade negotiations with other countries and raised and lowered tariffs as it saw fit, while the president did little but sign his name.
As the Republican Senate Blocks Reform, States Pass Their Own Gun-Control Laws
Since their governors' offices flipped to Democrat, New Mexico and Nevada have paved the way on gun reform.
A Proposed New Law Could Help Reduce Sexual Harassment in the Sciences
The Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act would compel America's science agencies to hold taxpayer-funded labs accountable for harassment.
Juneteenth 2019: An Essential Reading List
Highlights from Pacific Standard's coverage of racial inequality and the state of reparations in America.
Political Polarization Is Not a Driver of Gridlock at the State Level
States like Colorado have polarized—but productive—legislatures. Term limits and relatively weak lobbying interests help explain the phenomenon.
House Democrats Unveil a Broad Infrastructure Package Targeting Climate Change
The proposal allocates tens of billions of dollars in funding to combat a variety of issues, including drinking water, broadband access, and health care.
Viewfinder: Activists Push for Congress to Begin Impeachment Proceedings Against Trump
A woman holds a sign during a press conference where activists delivered a computer flash drive with 10 million signatures calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
Viewfinder: House Democrats Ask Why the White House Supports an Effort to End Obamacare
Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) speaks during a news conference on April 9th, 2019, in Washington, D.C.
Viewfinder: Washington State Governor Jay Inslee Testifies at a Hearing on Climate Change
Inslee, who is a candidate for president in 2020, has said that he will make climate change the centerpiece of his campaign.
Viewfinder: The Middle Eastern Women's Coalition Calls for Omar's Resignation
Members of the Middle Eastern Women's Coalition call for the resignation of United States Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 6th, 2019.
Is Michael Cohen the First Person to Testify Before Congress After Being Convicted of Lying to Congress?
It depends on how you define "lying to Congress."
How Reliable Is Accomplice Testimony Like Michael Cohen's?
Don't take it without corroboration.
Could Michael Cohen's Testimony Reduce His Prison Time?
The president's former lawyer is likely seeking a sentence reduction, but that won't depend on his public testimony.
Could Energy Efficiency Be the Key to Bipartisan Climate Change Legislation?
One humble way to reduce carbon pollution has been gathering steam in red and blue states alike: energy efficiency.
Trump Has Declared a National Emergency Over the Border Wall. What Legal Challenges Could He Face?
While the president has far-reaching powers in a state of emergency, experts say Trump could face legal challenges over specific provisions.
Members of Congress Are Guaranteed Pay Through Shutdowns. Can All of Them Afford to Forgo Paychecks?
Over 100 members of Congress refused their paychecks in solidarity with unpaid workers.
It's Time to Abolish the State of the Union Address
The speech was once useful for setting legislative agendas, but the digital age has made it a mostly useless spectacle.
Can Pelosi Stop Trump From Entering Congress?
The Speaker of the House has withdrawn her invitation for the president to give the State of the Union address later this month. What if he tries to give one anyway?
2019 Could Be a 'Watershed Year' for Abortion Legislation
If 2018 was a wake-up call, 2019 is set to be a reckoning.