Congress

Nearly two weeks after Election Day, we still don't know who will join the historic 116th Congress in every district.

• By Emma Sarappo

By the morning after Election Day, America knew the number of women in the House of Representatives would hit historic highs. Could the Senate and governors' mansions, too?

• By Francie Diep

Since Democrats gained a majority in the House during the mid-term elections, they've been expected to focus on climate change mitigation and preparation.

• By Francie Diep

A record number of women ran for some of the nation's highest offices this year. Here's how they've influenced the gender make-up of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the states' governors.

• By Francie Diep

With Congress at an impasse, sustainability advocates worry the farm bill could cut funds for conservation and give more to agriculture's biggest polluters.

• By Emily Moon

News and notes from Pacific Standard staff and contributors.

• By Ian Hurley
• Member Exclusive

Research suggests threats from Capitol Hill can make key justices skittish about overturning popular legislation.

• By Tom Jacobs

New research finds high-profile demonstrations can have a major impact on congressional races.

• By Tom Jacobs

A bipartisan group of lawmakers united on Monday to call for action from both Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• By Jack Herrera

A group of oil, gas, and other manufacturing companies announced their support Wednesday for a Republican lawmaker's proposed tax on carbon emissions.

• By Emily Moon

While nearly 40 countries have passed legislation putting a price on carbon emissions, the U.S. has never enacted such a tax.

• By Emily Moon

The author and political scientist offers a traditionally timid party some bold ideas.

• By Tom Jacobs

The Trump administration's zero tolerance policy has resulted in the separation of more than 2,300 migrant children from their parents at the border in recent weeks.

• By Rebecca Worby

The First Step Act has passed the House, but it's likely to face opposition from both sides of the aisle in the Senate.

• By Ashley Hackett

Colorado's legislature had a productive year. But, because of the state's term limits, that output probably won't last.

• By Seth Masket

As religious tensions flare in the House, four Democratic congressmen are launching a new group dedicated to science-based policy, separation of church and state, and freedom for all—including atheists.

• By Francie Diep

In most states, primary elections make official just who gets to call themselves the Democratic or Republican nominee. But that doesn't mean party leaders have to be neutral in those contests.

• By Seth Masket

Scott Pruitt's proposed policy to require that data and methods behind scientific studies be made publicly available has left Democrats in Congress rankled.

• By Francie Diep

News and notes from Pacific Standard staff and contributors.

• By Pacific Standard Staff
• Member Exclusive

Critics say the new legislation is too broad and will endanger the lives of sex workers.

• By Kate Wheeling

Hours after threatening a veto, Trump signed the bill, saying it will increase defense spending.

• By Kate Wheeling

A number of controversial issues have emerged in recent weeks as roadblocks to a new budget bill.

• By Dwyer Gunn

These three charts show that new proposed work requirements are a solution in search of a problem.

• By Dwyer Gunn

Incentives in the congressional spending bill and innovation in the private sector signal that this technology may soon become a reality.

• By Ryan Edwards & Kasparas Spokas